Q:

Explain why converting from meters to centimeters uses a different exponent than converting from meters to millimeters.

Accepted Solution

A:
Converting from meters to centimeters uses a negative exponent because a centimeter is a smaller unit of measurement than a meter. A centimeter is one hundredth of a meter. Converting from meters to millimeters uses a positive exponent because a meter is bigger than a millimeter. One meter is equal to one thousand millimeters.Further ExplanationNegative ExponentsNegative exponents are used to show division. A number with a negative exponent should be divided by itself for the amount of times the exponent indicates. For example [tex]10^{-3}[/tex] is 10 / 10 / 10 which equals .001. Another example [tex]2^{-3}[/tex] = 0.125Positive ExponentsPositive exponents are used to show multiplication. A number with a positive exponent should be multiplied by itself for the amount of times the exponent indicates. For example [tex]10^{3}[/tex] is 10 x 10 x 10 which equals 1,000.Another example [tex]2^{3}[/tex] = 8MetersA meter is a metric unit of measurement. 1 m = 100 cm1 m = 1,000 mmAnswer DetailsSubject: MathLevel: Middle SchoolTopic: ExponentsKeywordsexponents, metric system, meters, centimetersLearn MoreMore on Metric Systems: brainly.com/question/3956263Metric Conversions: brainly.com/question/12443484Exponent Equation for Millimeters: brainly.com/question/13174260Exponent Equation for Centimeters: