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How to Change Dekameters Into Millimeters

Dekameters and millimeters are part of the metric system of measurement. The metric system is a decimal system with three defined basic units -- gram (for mass), liter (for volume) and meter (for length). All multiples and fractions of these units are labeled with prefixes, and the difference between them is 10 or a power of 10. Learn the order of the prefixes and conversion becomes easy. Going from large to small the order is kilo-, hecto-, deka, base unit (gram, liter or meter), deci-, centi-, and milli. To convert from small to big you divide by 10, or the appropriate power of 10. To convert from big to small you multiply by 10 or its appropriate power.

Instructions

  1. Using Multiplication

    • 1

      Count the number of prefixes (steps) between dekameter and millimeter. There are four: deka-, meter(base unit), deci- and centi- so the conversion factor is 10^4 or 10,000.

    • 2

      Realize that you are converting a big unit to a smaller unit so you need to multiply.

    • 3

      Multiply the dekameters by the conversion factor. For example, take 45 dekameters. To convert it to millimeters you multiply by 10^4, or 10,000, to get 450,000 millimeters.

    Using Decimal Conversion

    • 4

      Remember the order of the prefixes. Determine in which direction you are moving and how many steps there are. Move the decimal point the appropriate number of steps.

    • 5

      Moving from deka- to milli- you are going from left to right, and there are four prefixes. So you move the decimal point four places to the right.

    • 6

      Calculate. So 45.00 dekameters converts to 450,000 millimeters.

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