The metric system uses the base unit of one meter to measure length. However, for smaller lengths, the metric system has the centimeter and the millimeter. The centimeter represents 0.01 meters because the prefix "centi-" represents 0.01. The millimeter represents 0.001 meters because the prefix "milli-" represents 0.001. Knowing what the metric prefixes represent helps you to find that it takes 10 millimeters to equal 1 centimeter. You can use either multiplication or division to make the conversion.
Instructions
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Multiply the number of millimeters by 0.1 to convert to centimeters. For example, if you have 41 millimeters, multiply 41 by 0.1 to get 4.1 centimeters.
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2
Divide the number of millimeters by 10 to convert to centimeters. This alternative method will result in the same solution. In this example, divide 41 by 10 to get 4.1 millimeters.
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3
Check your conversion with an online millimeter to centimeter converter.