Answer :

-4.0 × 10³ mL converts to -40 dL.

To convert from milliliters (mL) to deciliters (dL), you use the fact that 1 deciliter is equal to 100 milliliters. Therefore, to convert a volume in milliliters to deciliters, you divide the volume in milliliters by 100.

Here's a step-by-step explanation for converting -4.0 × 10³ mL to dL:

1. Understand the Conversion Factor:

  • 1 dL = 100 mL. This means that to convert mL to dL, you divide the number of milliliters by 100.

2. Apply the Conversion:

  • You have -4.0 × 10³ mL. To find out how many deciliters this represents, divide by 100:

Volume in dL = [tex]\frac{\text{Volume in mL}}{100}[/tex]

  • Substituting the given volume:

Volume in dL = [tex]\frac{-4.0 \times 10^3 \text{ mL}}{100}[/tex]

3. Perform the Calculation:

  • First, simplify the division:

[tex]\[ \frac{-4.0 \times 10^3}{100} = -4.0 \times 10^1 \][/tex]

  • Since 10² = 100, dividing by 10² reduces the exponent by 2:

-4.0 × 10¹ = -40