15.6 cm – 2.6 mm=
The correct answer and explanation is:
To solve the problem:
15.6 cm − 2.6 mm = ?
Step 1: Convert units
We need to make sure both measurements are in the same unit before subtracting.
We can convert 2.6 mm to centimeters, since 15.6 cm is already in centimeters.
- 1 cm = 10 mm
- So, to convert 2.6 mm to cm:
2.6 mm=2.610=0.26 cm2.6 \, \text{mm} = \frac{2.6}{10} = 0.26 \, \text{cm}
Step 2: Subtract
Now that both values are in centimeters: 15.6 cm−0.26 cm=15.34 cm15.6 \, \text{cm} – 0.26 \, \text{cm} = 15.34 \, \text{cm}
✅ Final Answer:
15.6 cm − 2.6 mm = 15.34 cm
📘 Explanation (300 words)
When working with measurements that involve different units (such as centimeters and millimeters), it’s essential to convert them into the same unit before performing any operations. Units are like languages in math—trying to subtract centimeters and millimeters directly is like mixing English and French in the same sentence without translation.
In this problem, the larger number is in centimeters (15.6 cm), and the smaller number is in millimeters (2.6 mm). Since centimeters are commonly used for more significant lengths and already represent our main unit here, we convert millimeters into centimeters for consistency.
Remember, 1 centimeter equals 10 millimeters, so to convert millimeters to centimeters, divide the number of millimeters by 10. Therefore: 2.6 mm÷10=0.26 cm2.6 \, \text{mm} ÷ 10 = 0.26 \, \text{cm}
Now that both numbers are in centimeters, we can subtract them: 15.6 cm−0.26 cm=15.34 cm15.6 \, \text{cm} – 0.26 \, \text{cm} = 15.34 \, \text{cm}
This subtraction is straightforward because the decimal system used in metric units (like cm and mm) makes conversions and operations simple and reliable.
This skill is useful in science, engineering, and health care—such as measuring medication doses, dimensions, or distances—where accuracy and consistency in units are critical. Always remember: convert first, then calculate.