Let's break down these conversions and report the answers in scientific notation (E notation).

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a. 145 cm² to m²

To convert square centimeters (cm²) to square meters (m²), we use the fact that:

$1 \, \text{m} = 100 \, \text{cm}$

This means that:

$1 \, \text{m}^2 = (100 \, \text{cm})^2 = 10,000 \, \text{cm}^2$

Thus, to convert $145 \, \text{cm}^2$ to square meters:

$145 \, \text{cm}^2 \times \frac{1 \, \text{m}^2}{10,000 \, \text{cm}^2} = 0.0145 \, \text{m}^2$

In scientific notation:

$0.0145 = 1.45 \times 10^{-2}$

Answer for Blank 1:

$\boxed{1.45E-2} \, \text{m}^2$

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b. 0.263 m³ to mm³

To convert cubic meters (m³) to cubic millimeters (mm³), we use the fact that:

$1 \, \text{m} = 1,000 \, \text{mm}$

So:

$1 \, \text{m}^3 = (1,000 \, \text{mm})^3 = 1,000,000,000 \, \text{mm}^3 = 1 \times 10^9 \, \text{mm}^3$

Now, convert $0.263 \, \text{m}^3$ to cubic millimeters:

$0.263 \, \text{m}^3 \times 10^9 \, \text{mm}^3 = 2.63 \times 10^8 \, \text{mm}^3$

Answer for Blank 2:

$\boxed{2.63E8} \, \text{mm}^3$

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Let me know if you want further details or have questions. Here are 5 related questions:

1. How do you convert from square meters to square kilometers?
2. What is the conversion factor between cubic centimeters and cubic meters?
3. How many millimeters are in one meter?
4. What are significant figures and why are they important in conversions?
5. How can you convert cubic inches to cubic centimeters?

Tip: When converting areas and volumes, remember to apply the conversion factor to each dimension (square or cube the conversion factor).