Problem 27 - Calculate With Confidence

Question

Convert the following metric measures by moving the decimal. \(58.5 \mathrm{~L}=\) ______\(\mathrm{mL}\)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

58.5 L equals 58,500 mL.

Step 1: Understand the Conversion

To convert from liters to milliliters, we need to know the conversion factor between these two units. There are 1000 milliliters in a liter.

Step 2: Determine the Conversion Factor

Since 1 liter is equivalent to 1000 milliliters, the conversion factor we will use is 1000.

Step 3: Apply the Conversion Factor

Multiply the given measurement in liters (58.5 L) by the conversion factor (1000) to convert it to milliliters. This is calculated as follows: \[ 58.5 \text{ L} \times 1000 = 58500 \text{ mL} \]

Step 4: Move the Decimal

When multiplying by 1000, you move the decimal point three places to the right. For 58.5, this means moving the decimal from 58.5 to 58500.

Key Concepts

Liters to Milliliters

Converting liters to milliliters is a common task in the metric system, and it's important to understand how these units relate to each other. Liters and milliliters measure volume—the amount of space that something (like a liquid) occupies. When you convert from liters to milliliters, you're moving from a larger unit (liters) to a smaller unit (milliliters).

This is handy for accurately measuring precise volumes, particularly in scientific contexts or recipes. By converting liters to milliliters, you ensure you have the right amount, since milliliters offer a more granular and exact measure. Understanding this relationship is the foundation for successful metric conversions.

Conversion Factor

The conversion factor is a number used to change one unit of measure to another. In the context of converting liters to milliliters, the conversion factor is 1000. This is because there are 1000 milliliters in one liter. Knowing this conversion factor allows you to easily calculate the equivalent volume in milliliters when you start with a measurement in liters.

Whenever you're converting a quantity, it’s crucial to determine the correct conversion factor.

• Write down the known conversion factor, in this case, 1 liter = 1000 milliliters.
• Multiply the number of liters by this conversion factor.

This will give you the measurement in milliliters, making it simple to understand and apply. By following these steps, you can confidently convert between these two units.

Decimal Movement

Decimal movement is a straightforward technique that helps you convert measurements by adjusting the decimal point. When you multiply a number by 1000, like when converting liters to milliliters, you move the decimal point three places to the right. This occurs because 1000 has three zeros. So, multiplying by 1000 effectively shifts the number's value, making it larger.

Consider the number 58.5 liters, which can be calculated for milliliters as:

• Move the decimal in 58.5 to the right by three places.
• This changes 58.5 into 58500, giving you the volume in milliliters.

Using the decimal movement makes the process of conversion faster and removes the need for complex calculations. It simplifies your mathematical operations and enhances accuracy.