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Basic Math/Conversions while using the metric system

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Expert: Josh - 2/15/2007


Question
I need to convert mm to um. 1.75mm = 1,7500um. Is that correct? 40cm = .4m Am I moving the decimal correctly?  

Answer
Hi Steven,

I think there's a typo in your question. I believe you've got it right, 1.75 mm [millimeter] = 1750 um [micron].
The u in unit "um" should be a Greek alphabet "mu". In all SI units, it represents one part in a million, whereas the first m in unit "mm" represents one part in a thousand.

i.e., 1 mm = 1000 um. You shift the decimal point by 3 places.

Yes, 40 cm = 0.4 m. Here, "centi-" represents one part in a hundred. Thus, 1 cm = 0.01 m.

Cheers:)

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Josh

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When I work through problems, I like to emphasize concepts which I believe are worth noting. I will try to answer questions in the following areas, but not at the advanced level. Algebra. Sequences & Series. Trigonometry. Functions & Graphs. Coordinate Geometry. Quadratic Polynomials. Exponential & Logarithms. Basic Calculus. Probability, Permutation and Combination. Mathematical Induction. Complex numbers. Physics problems.

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I have worked as a teaching assistant in college. My hope is that more people will share knowledge without boundary, give help without seeking recognition or monetary rewards.

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Bachelor degree in Engineering Science

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