Compare Length Units: 45.6 mm vs 2.3 cm Measurement Problem

Q: Why can't I just compare the numbers 45.6 and 2.3?

The units matter! 45.6 mm and 2.3 cm are measuring in different scales. It's like comparing 45.6 pennies to 2.3 dollars - you need to convert to the same unit first.

Q: Which unit should I convert to - mm or cm?

You can convert either way! Convert cm to mm by multiplying by 10, or convert mm to cm by dividing by 10. Choose whichever feels easier for you.

Q: How do I remember the conversion between mm and cm?

Remember: There are 10 millimeters in 1 centimeter. Think of it like this - milli means small, so it takes many small mm to make one bigger cm!

Q: What if I get confused about which direction to convert?

Always think: smaller unit = bigger number. Since mm are smaller than cm, you'll need more of them. So 2.3 cm becomes 23 mm (a bigger number).

Q: Can I convert both measurements to meters instead?

Absolutely! $ 45.6 \text{ mm} = 0.0456 \text{ m} $ and $ 2.3 \text{ cm} = 0.023 \text{ m} $. Any common unit works for comparison.

Unit Conversion with Metric Measurements

Which is larger?

45.6 mm ⬜ 2.3 cm

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Understand the problem

Which is larger?

45.6 mm ⬜ 2.3 cm

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we will compare the sizes of 45.6 mm and 2.3 cm in the same units:

Convert 2.3 cm to millimeters using the conversion factor: $1 \text{ cm} = 10 \text{ mm}$ .

Let's calculate the conversion:

$2.3 \text{ cm} \times 10 \frac{\text{mm}}{\text{cm}} = 23 \text{ mm}$

Now, we have two measurements to compare:

45.6 mm
23 mm

Since 45.6 mm is greater than 23 mm, we have:

$45.6 \text{ mm} > 2.3 \text{ cm}$

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $>$ .

Final Answer

$>$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Conversion: Always convert to the same unit before comparing
Technique: 1 cm = 10 mm, so 2.3 cm = 23 mm
Check: Compare 45.6 mm > 23 mm confirms correct answer ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Comparing different units directly without conversion
Don't compare 45.6 mm to 2.3 cm thinking 45.6 > 2.3 = mm is larger! This ignores unit differences and gives wrong conclusions. Always convert to the same unit first before making any comparison.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Convert to meters:
$$ 40 $$ cm

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just compare the numbers 45.6 and 2.3?

The units matter! 45.6 mm and 2.3 cm are measuring in different scales. It's like comparing 45.6 pennies to 2.3 dollars - you need to convert to the same unit first.

Which unit should I convert to - mm or cm?

You can convert either way! Convert cm to mm by multiplying by 10, or convert mm to cm by dividing by 10. Choose whichever feels easier for you.

How do I remember the conversion between mm and cm?

Remember: There are 10 millimeters in 1 centimeter. Think of it like this - milli means small, so it takes many small mm to make one bigger cm!

What if I get confused about which direction to convert?

Always think: smaller unit = bigger number. Since mm are smaller than cm, you'll need more of them. So 2.3 cm becomes 23 mm (a bigger number).

Can I convert both measurements to meters instead?

Absolutely! $45.6 \text{ mm} = 0.0456 \text{ m}$ and $2.3 \text{ cm} = 0.023 \text{ m}$ . Any common unit works for comparison.

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