Question

When converting from meter to centimeters, you multiply by 100. When converting from centimeters to meters you multiply by 1/100. In this example 100 and 1/100 are examples of what?

Answer 1

In unit conversions, 100 and 1/100 are examples of conversion factors, which are used to convert measurements between different units while maintaining the same value.

Step-by-step explanation:

When converting from meters to centimeters, you multiply by 100, and when converting from centimeters to meters, you multiply by 1/100. These numbers, 100 and 1/100, are examples of conversion factors. A conversion factor is a ratio (or fraction) that represents the same quantity expressed in two different units. It essentially acts as a multiplier that transforms a quantity in one unit to its equivalent quantity in another unit without changing its actual value.

For instance, converting 3.55 meters to centimeters involves the use of the conversion factor 100 cm/1 m, which is equivalent to multiplying by 1. This is because 1 meter equals 100 centimeters by definition in the metric system, and thus, the conversion factor ensures that the units are converted properly, while keeping the actual measurement unchanged.