Length Definitions • Millimeter = mm • Centimeter = cm • Decimeter = dm • Meter = m • Decameter = dam • Hectometer = hm • Kilometer = km Length Conversions • 1 km = 1000 m • 1 hm = 100 m • 1 dam = 10 m • 1 m = 10 dm • 1 m = 100 cm • 1 m = 1000 mm Convert 58 dm to centimeters (using conversion factors): 58 dm = centimeters
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To convert 58 decimeters (dm) to centimeters (cm), we can use the following conversion factor:
1 dm = 10 cm.
This conversion factor tells us that for every decimeter, there are 10 centimeters. So, to convert 58 dm to cm, we simply multiply the number of decimeters by 10:58 dm×10=580 cm58 \, \text{dm} \times 10 = 580 \, \text{cm}58dm×10=580cm
Thus, 58 decimeters is equal to 580 centimeters.
Explanation:
Understanding the relationship between units of length is crucial for performing unit conversions accurately. The metric system is based on powers of 10, which makes it easy to convert between different units by multiplying or dividing by factors of 10. In this case, converting from decimeters to centimeters requires multiplying by 10 because there are 10 centimeters in every decimeter.
To perform other conversions, you can follow the same logic by using the appropriate conversion factor. For example, if you wanted to convert kilometers to meters, you would multiply by 1000, as there are 1000 meters in a kilometer.
One of the most helpful aspects of the metric system is its simplicity in conversion, where each unit is just a multiple of 10 or a fraction of 10 of the next larger or smaller unit. This avoids the complexities that might come with systems like the imperial system, where conversions often involve different factors for different units (e.g., 12 inches in a foot, 3 feet in a yard, etc.).
In summary, to convert 58 dm to centimeters, you multiply by 10, giving the result of 580 cm.
