The following word problem is for practicing the application of metric area conversions.

Example 1:

How many square millimeters are there in 73 square centimeters?

To solve this problem, use the conversion factor that gives the value required by the problem in terms of the value given in the problem and replace the required value in the conversion factor with the given value in the problem. Work the problem through to get the value required by the problem.

Conversion factor: square centimeters × 100 = square millimeters
                             square millimeters ÷ 100 = square centimeters
                    

73 × 100 = square millimeters
73 × 100 = 7300

There are 7,300 square millimeters in 73 square centimeters.