Final answer:
The stair method is a step-by-step approach used to convert within the metric system. It involves moving the decimal point to the left or right depending on the prefixes involved in the conversion. Converting within the metric system is easy because the metric prefixes are sequential powers of 10.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stair method is a step-by-step approach used to convert within the metric system. It involves moving the decimal point to the left or right depending on the prefixes involved in the conversion. Let's say we want to convert 500 millimeters to centimeters:
- Start with the given value: 500 millimeters
- Identify the prefixes: milli- and centi-
- Determine the conversion factor between the prefixes: 1 millimeter equals 0.1 centimeters
- Multiply the given value by the conversion factor: 500 millimeters * 0.1 centimeters/millimeter = 50 centimeters
Converting within the metric system is easy because the metric prefixes are sequential powers of 10. This means that each prefix represents a unit that is either 10 times larger or 10 times smaller than the previous one. Moving the decimal point to the left or right allows us to easily convert between these units without complex calculations or memorizing conversion factors.