What is the conversion factor for converting 0.5 milligrams (mg) to micrograms (mcg)?

To convert milligrams (mg) to micrograms (mcg), you need to understand the relationship between these two units of mass. The prefix "milli-" denotes one-thousandth of a unit, and "micro-" denotes one-millionth of a unit in the metric system. Therefore, one milligram is equal to one thousand micrograms.

Here is a step-by-step guide to converting 0.5 milligrams to micrograms:

Step 1: Identify the conversion factor.
Since 1 milligram is equal to 1000 micrograms, the conversion factor from milligrams to micrograms is 1000 micrograms per milligram.

Step 2: Set up the conversion.
To convert milligrams to micrograms, you multiply the number of milligrams by the conversion factor. In equation form, this is:
\[ \text{micrograms} = \text{milligrams} \times \text{conversion factor} \]

Step 3: Apply the conversion factor.
Now, apply the conversion factor to the amount in milligrams you want to convert:
\[ \text{micrograms} = 0.5 \text{ mg} \times 1000 \text{ mcg/mg} \]

Step 4: Perform the multiplication.
\[ \text{micrograms} = 500 \text{ mcg} \]

Therefore, 0.5 milligrams is equal to 500 micrograms. This is the conversion factor you would use to convert any amount in milligrams to micrograms, simply by multiplying the number of milligrams by 1000.