Final answer:
The correct conversion factors for converting 1 meter to centimeters are 1 m / 100 cm and 100 cm / 1 m. These are used to properly cancel out the original unit and are essential in ensuring accurate unit conversions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked about the conversion factors for the equality 1 meter equals a certain number of centimeters. The correct conversion factors for the equality 1 m = 100 cm are 1 m / 100 cm and 100 cm / 1 m. These conversion factors are used to convert from meters to centimeters and vice versa in a way that the original units cancel out, making the calculation meaningful. We know that 1 meter is equivalent to 100 centimeters, and this provides us with the necessary conversion factors for calculations. The conversion factor is a ratio of equivalent measurements, ensuring that we can accurately convert between these two units while maintaining the same quantity. When using conversion factors, it's important to choose the one that will correctly cancel out the unit we are converting from, so that we are left with the desired unit.