In mathematics, a decimeter is a unit of length that is equal to one-tenth of a meter. It is commonly used in the metric system to measure small distances. The prefix "deci" indicates a factor of 10^-1, which means that there are 10 decimeters in a meter.
Decimeter is a unit of length and falls under the topic of measurement in mathematics. To understand decimeters, it is important to have knowledge of the metric system and its prefixes. The metric system is a decimal-based system of measurement that is widely used around the world.
Here are the key points to understand about decimeters:
The formula to convert a length in meters to decimeters is:
Length in decimeters = Length in meters * 10
This formula is derived from the fact that there are 10 decimeters in a meter.
To apply the decimeter formula, simply multiply the length in meters by 10. For example, if you have a length of 2 meters and want to convert it to decimeters, you would use the formula:
Length in decimeters = 2 meters * 10 = 20 decimeters
So, 2 meters is equal to 20 decimeters.
The symbol for decimeter is "dm". It is written in lowercase letters and is commonly used in scientific and mathematical contexts.
There are several methods for measuring lengths in decimeters:
Using a ruler or measuring tape calibrated in decimeters: This is the most common method where a ruler or measuring tape with decimeter markings is used to directly measure the length in decimeters.
Converting from meters: If the length is given in meters, it can be converted to decimeters using the formula mentioned earlier.
Converting from other metric units: If the length is given in other metric units, such as centimeters or millimeters, it can be converted to decimeters by dividing the length by the appropriate conversion factor. For example, to convert centimeters to decimeters, divide the length by 10.
Example 1: Convert 5 meters to decimeters.
Solution: Using the formula, we have:
Length in decimeters = 5 meters * 10 = 50 decimeters
Therefore, 5 meters is equal to 50 decimeters.
Example 2: Convert 120 centimeters to decimeters.
Solution: Since there are 10 centimeters in a decimeter, we divide the length by 10:
Length in decimeters = 120 centimeters / 10 = 12 decimeters
Therefore, 120 centimeters is equal to 12 decimeters.
Question: What is the relationship between decimeters and meters?
Answer: A decimeter is equal to one-tenth of a meter. Therefore, there are 10 decimeters in a meter.
Question: How can I convert a length in meters to decimeters?
Answer: To convert a length in meters to decimeters, multiply the length by 10.
Question: Can decimeters be used to measure large distances?
Answer: Decimeters are typically used to measure small distances. For larger distances, it is more common to use meters or kilometers.