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Meter to Decimal: Complete Guide for Students

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How to Convert Meters to Decimals with Examples and Shortcuts

The decimal metric system uses multiples or sub-multiples of 10 to connect the multiples and sub-multiples of the unit of measurement. Metric units include, for instance, the gramme and kilogramme for measuring mass, the metre and centimetre for measuring length, and the litre for measuring volume (to measure capacity).


What is Length?

The word "length" describes an object or thing's size. A measurement of an object's length or distance is called a length. Consider the length of a piece of chalk, a duster, a pencil, etc. We use a ruler scale to measure little things like pens, pencils, etc. The metric system's metres serve as the foundation for the common unit of length. Using conversion units, we may convert from metres to millimetres, centimetres, and kilometres.


What is a Decimal?

In algebra, a decimal point is used to denote the fractional component of a number; this fractional component is referred to as the decimal part. The decimal point is the dot or point in a decimal number. The numbers that follow the decimal point represent less than one values. Decimals are built on powers of 10 that came before them.


The decimal place value will be the tenths, hundredths, and thousandths since the place value of digits decreases 10 times as we move from left to right. Tenths are equal to one-tenth, or 1/10. The decimal equivalent of a tenth is 0.1. One hundredth is 1/100. The decimal equivalent of one-tenth is 0.01, and so on.


Measurements in Decimals:

Decimals are frequently used when recording measurements. The decimal point distinguishes between the "whole" number and its component "parts." Actual object measurements are all approximations. The amount of digits in your response reveals the precision of the measurement.


Decimal equivalent for a meter:

Two or more decimals or fractions representing or simplifying to the same value are called analogous decimals. There is a decimal equivalent for fractions. The fraction recast as a decimal is the fraction's decimal equivalent. A fraction and a decimal can be comparable decimals because fractions have a decimal equivalent. The decimal equivalent for meter is 1m = 100cm or 1cm = 0.01m.


Using Decimal in Measurement of Length:

Do you know what the Decimal Equivalent for a Meter is? Two or more decimals or fractions representing or simplifying the same value are analogous. There is a decimal equivalent for fractions. The fraction recast as a decimal is the fraction's decimal equivalent. A fraction and a decimal can be comparable decimals because fractions have a decimal equivalent. The decimal equivalent for meter is 1m = 100cm or 1cm = 0.01m.


Steps of conversion:

The metre is the measurement unit for length. The other units are:


Name

Symbol

Equivalence

Kilometer

km

1000m

Hectometer

hm

100m

Decameter

dam

10m

Meter

m

1m

Decimeter

dm

0.1m

Centimeter

Cm

0.01m

Millimeter

mm

0.001m


Steps to convert from one unit to another:

  • The amount will be reduced by 10 as many times as the number of rows that must be "climbed" in the table above if the initial unit is smaller than the one we wish to acquire.

  • The amount will be increased by 10 times the number of rows that need to be "gone down" in the table above if the original unit is bigger than the one we wish to acquire.


Examples for Measuring Length in Decimals:

Example 1: Convert from 135 cm to m in decimal.

Solutions:

Given dimension = 135 cm.

Converting m to cm,

$\begin{array}{c}1m = 100cm\\1cm = 0.01m\\135cm = 135 \times 0.01m\\ = 1.35m\end{array}$

Therefore, the conversion of 135 cm to meters is 1.35 m.


Example 2: Convert 75 cm to km in decimal.

Solution:

Given dimension = 75 cm.

Converting cm to km,

$\begin{array}{c}1cm = 0.00001km\\75cm = 75 \times 0.00001km\\ = 0.00075km\end{array}$

Therefore, the conversion of 75 cm to km is 0.00075 km.


Example 3: Convert 100 m to km in decimal.

Solution:

Given dimension = 100 m

Converting m to km,

$\begin{array}{c}1m = 0.001km\\100m = 100 \times 0.001km\\ = 0.1km\end{array}$

Therefore, the conversion of 100 m to km is 0.1 km.


Conclusion:

Hence, in this article, we learnt the conversion of units using decimals. We learnt how to convert the length is different dimensions. This concept is useful while estimating the lengths and sizes of objects in a particular unit. The concept of conversion of units is very basic; everyone should be aware of it to solve small problems related to lengths which can arise in day-to-day life. Various conversions are learnt in this article, and some examples of conversions of units are explained in this article.

FAQs on Meter to Decimal: Complete Guide for Students

1. What exactly is a 'decimal' when used as a unit for measuring land area?

A 'decimal' is a traditional unit of area measurement, commonly used in certain regions of India (like West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar) and Bangladesh. It is not part of the standard metric system. One decimal is equivalent to 40.46 square meters or approximately 1/100th of an acre. It's a convenient unit for measuring smaller plots of land.

2. What is the direct formula to convert an area from square meters to decimals?

To convert an area from square meters to decimals, you use a simple division formula. Since 1 decimal = 40.46 square meters, the formula is:

Area in Decimals = Total Area in Square Meters / 40.46

You simply divide the given square meter value by 40.46 to find its equivalent in decimals.

3. How do you perform the reverse conversion from decimals to square meters?

To convert a value from decimals back to square meters, you perform the opposite operation: multiplication. The formula is:

Area in Square Meters = Total Area in Decimals × 40.46

This calculation helps in finding the metric area of a plot when its size is given in the traditional decimal unit.

4. Can you provide an example of converting a specific area, such as 500 square meters, into decimals?

Certainly. To convert 500 square meters to decimals, you apply the conversion formula:

1. Start with the known area: 500 square meters.
2. Use the formula: Area in Decimals = Square Meters / 40.46
3. Calculate: 500 / 40.46 ≈ 12.358 decimals.

Therefore, an area of 500 square meters is approximately equal to 12.36 decimals.

5. Why is the 'decimal' unit still used for land measurement instead of exclusively using square meters?

The 'decimal' unit persists primarily due to historical and local conventions. In many regions where it is common, land records have been maintained in these traditional units for generations. It provides continuity and is easily understood by the local population for transactions involving smaller land parcels, such as agricultural or residential plots, where using a larger unit like an acre or hectare might be less practical.

6. How does the 'decimal' unit of area compare to other common units like 'acre' and 'hectare'?

The key difference is scale. Here is a simple comparison of these units, all related to land area:

  • Decimal: A small unit, equal to 40.46 sq. meters. It is ideal for measuring small plots.
  • Acre: A much larger unit. One acre is equal to 100 decimals, or 4046.86 sq. meters.
  • Hectare: A standard metric unit. One hectare is 10,000 sq. meters, which is equivalent to approximately 247.1 decimals.

So, the hierarchy from smallest to largest is Decimal, Acre, and then Hectare.

7. If a rectangular plot of land measures 20 meters in length and 15 meters in width, how would you calculate its area in decimals?

This is a two-step problem. First, you must find the area in square meters, and then convert it to decimals.

1. Calculate the area in square meters:
Area = Length × Width
Area = 20 meters × 15 meters = 300 square meters.

2. Convert this area to decimals:
Area in Decimals = Square Meters / 40.46
Area = 300 / 40.46 ≈ 7.41 decimals.

So, the area of the plot is 7.41 decimals.