vdoc

46 Part I: Technical Mathematics
Part I.E
Similarly, to convert milligrams into centigrams we use the reverse operation; that
is, we divide the milligrams by a factor of 10. Thus,
20 milligrams = 20 ÷ 10 = 2 centigrams.
To convert units of liquid measure within the Metric or SI system, use the relationships
given in Table 5.11. For example, to convert liters into centiliters, the table
shows that we multiply the number of liters by a factor of 100. Thus, for instance,
to convert two liters into centiliters:
2 liters = 2 × 100 = 200 centiliters
Similarly, to convert centiliters into liters we use the reverse operation; that is, we
divide the centiliters by a factor of 100. Thus,
200 centiliters = 200 ÷ 100 = 2 liters.
ENGLISH TO SI/METRIC CONVERSIONS
Use these relationships to convert from the English system to the SI/metric system,
or from the SI/metric system to the English system.
To convert length units between the English and metric or SI systems, use the
relationships given in Table 5.12. For example, to convert feet into centimeters,
the table shows that we multiply the number of feet by a factor of 30.48. Thus, for
instance, to convert two feet into centimeters:
2 feet = 2 × 30.48 = 60.96 centimeters
Similarly, to convert centimeters into feet we use the reverse operation; that is, we
divide the centimeters by a factor of 30.48. Thus,
60.96 centimeters = 60.96 ÷ 30.48 = 2 feet.
To convert area units between the English and metric or SI systems, use the relationships
given in Table 5.13. For example, to convert square inches into square millimeters,
the table shows that we multiply the number of square inches by a factor
of 645.2. Thus, for instance, to convert two square inches into square millimeters:
2 square inches = 2 × 645.2 = 1290.4 square millimeters
Table 5.11 Converting liquid measures—metric units.
From To Multiply by Divide by
Milliliters Centiliters 10
Centiliters Milliliters 10
Centiliters Liters 100
Liters Centiliters 100
Liters Kiloliters 1000
Kiloliters Liters 1000