What are the meanings of cm^2 and cm^3 in the metric system?

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SUMMARY

In the metric system, cm² represents square centimeters, indicating area, while cm³ denotes cubic centimeters, indicating volume. A square with each side measuring 1 cm has an area of 1 cm², and a cube with edges of 1 cm has a volume of 1 cm³. For example, a square with sides of 5 cm has an area of 25 cm², and a cube with sides of 5 cm has a volume of 125 cm³. Understanding these measurements is essential for accurately calculating area and volume in various applications.

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  • Understanding of basic geometry concepts
  • Familiarity with metric system units
  • Knowledge of area and volume calculations
  • Ability to visualize two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes
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I know cm^2 is centimeter squared & cm^3 is centimeter cubed, but what does it means?
 
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the first one means a square and the other one means a cube (box).


1 cm^2 means 1 square and each side is 1 centimeter long.

1 cm^3 means 1 box and each side of the box is 1 centimeter long.


For instance, if you make a square where each side is 5 cm, then you have a square that is 5cm^2. And 5^2 means 25, and that means you can fit 25 little 1cm^2 squares inside the big square that is 5cm^2.

And if you have a cube (box) whre each side is 5 cm, then you have a cube that is 5 cm^3. And since 5^3 means 5x5x5 = 125, that means you can fit 125 little 1cm^3 cubes inside that bigger square that is 5cm^3.
 
I think you mean box, not square...?
 
cm2 is area.
cm3 is volumn.

A cube with 1cm long edges has sides with area 1 cm2 and a volumn of 1 cm3.
 

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