Question

How do you convert $2\dfrac{1}{2}$ meters into centimeters?

Answer 1

Hint: The fraction in the question is mixed fraction. So, convert it into an improper fraction and then into decimal form. Improper fractions are those in which the numerator is greater than the denominator. There are 100 centimeters in one meter. A centimeter is a small unit compared to a meter.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
The fraction given in the question is $2\dfrac{1}{2}$. This is given in the mixed fraction. To make it easy we have to convert it into the improper fraction which has a numerator greater than or equal to the denominator.
To convert a mixed fraction into an improper fraction. These steps should be taken to convert it into improper fraction –
Step – 1: Multiply the denominator of the fractional part of the mixed fraction with the whole number part of
mixed fraction.
Step – 2: Find the sum of the numerator of the fractional part of the mixed fraction with the result of step 1.
Step – 3: Keep the denominator of the fraction the same as when it was in the form of a mixed fraction.
Step – 4: Put the result of step 2 in the place of the numerator and will get the mixed fraction converted to
improper fraction.
Hence, after applying all the above steps to convert $2\dfrac{1}{2}$ to an improper fraction, we get –
$ \Rightarrow \dfrac{5}{2}$
Now, dividing 5 by 2 to convert it into decimal form, we get –
$ \Rightarrow 2.5$
We know that there are 100 centimeters in one meter –
$1m = 100cm$
As we have to convert 2.5 meters into centimeters. Multiply 2.5 in both sides of the formula of meter and centimeter, we get –
$
   \Rightarrow 2.5m = 2.5 \times 100cm \\
   \Rightarrow 2.5m = 250cm \\
 $

Hence, there are 250 cm in $2\dfrac{1}{2}$ meters.

Note: During the conversion of units, if the smaller unit is converted to a larger unit then we should do
the multiplication on the other hand, when the larger unit is to be converted to a smaller unit than the
the division is done.