Metric Conversions Metric Conversions Metric Conversions l Changing

Metric Conversions

Metric Conversions ¡ Metric Conversions l ¡ Changing one unit of measurement to another Dimensional Analysis l The skill or process of converting units (factor labeling)

Method 1 ¡ Staying within the same base unit (metric system) ¡ Example: ¡ l grams – kilograms l liters – milliliters l meters - kilometers Need: l Prefixes

¡ The Process l Step 1: ¡ Decide what column you are starting with (unit) l Step 2: ¡ Decide what column you want to finish with (unit) l Step 3: ¡ Count the number of columns from start to finish and MOVE the decimal point the same number and direction ¡ Fill any open spots with ZEROS Name Kilo Hecto Deka Abbreviation k h da Value 1000 10 ¡ Examples: Base Unit (g), (m), (l) 1 Deci Centi Milli d c m 1/1000

Method 2 ¡ Converting Using Factor Labeling l l In the metric system between 2 different systems of measurements English and Metric Example: ¡ ¡ ¡ l meters (m) – inches (in. ) l feet (ft) – inches (in) l kilograms (kg) – pounds (Lbs) Start: What units do you have? Finish: What units do you want? Need: l Conversion Factor l Example: ¡ 1 ft = 12 inches

¡ Process l Step 1: ¡ l Step 2: ¡ l Find the conversion factor Step 3: Multiply the know value by the conversion factor ¡ l Rewrite the problem Put the unit you want on top Step 4: ¡ Put the unit to cancel out on the bottom

¡ Examples: ¡ 3 m = ? inches ¡ 150 lbs = ? kg ¡ 6 hrs = ? sec