# How do you find the perimeter of a figure with sides 4cm, 14.56 cm, and 0.14 m?

Oct 11, 2015

Convert the side lengths to the same unit (either m or cm in this case) and add them.

#### Explanation:

The perimeter of a shape is the distance around a two dimensional figure.

In this instance, to find the perimeter we would add the side lengths. However, our side lengths are given in differing units; centimeters for sides A and B, and meters for side C. Recall that there are 100 centimeters to a meter, and consider which would be easier; converting sides A and B to meters, or converting side C to centimeters.

To convert from centimeters to meters we will divide by 100, and to convert from meters to centimeters we will multiply by 100. Considering this, and considering how many sides we have in cm along with the lengths of the sides themselves, we should choose to convert meters to centimeters. Thus, $0.14 m \to 14 c m$

Now, we add our side lengths. $4$ cm $+ 14.56$ cm $+ 14$ cm = $32.56$ cm.