How do you convert 5 metres to centimetres?

To convert 5 metres to centimetres, multiply 5 by 100, which equals 500 centimetres.

In more detail, the metric system is based on powers of ten, making conversions straightforward. The metre is the base unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). One metre is equivalent to 100 centimetres. This relationship is crucial for converting between these units.

To convert metres to centimetres, you use the fact that 1 metre equals 100 centimetres. Therefore, to find out how many centimetres are in 5 metres, you multiply the number of metres by 100. Mathematically, this is expressed as:

\[ 5 \text{ metres} \times 100 \text{ centimetres/metre} = 500 \text{ centimetres} \]

This method works for any number of metres. For example, if you had 3 metres, you would multiply 3 by 100 to get 300 centimetres. Similarly, for 7.5 metres, you would multiply 7.5 by 100 to get 750 centimetres.

Understanding this conversion is essential for many real-world applications, such as measuring distances, heights, or lengths in different units. It also helps in solving problems in physics, engineering, and everyday life where precise measurements are necessary. Remember, the key is knowing that 1 metre equals 100 centimetres, and then simply multiplying by 100 to convert metres to centimetres.