Metric System Notes How to convert within the

Metric System Notes How to convert within the metric system

Prefix definition • Remember that a prefix by definition means a word bit that goes in front of a base word to alter its meaning. • Ex. anti-war – Anti means “against” – Therefore anti-war means “against war” • Ex. Prolife – Pro means “for”…

Metric Base Units • Base units are the standard unit of measurement – Length = meter (m) – Mass = gram (g) – Volume = Liter (L)

Prefix Sequence • • Kilo (k) Hecto (h) Deca (da or D) Base units Deci (d) Centi (c) Milli (m) • • King Hector Died by Drinking Chocolate Milk

Sequence Chart k km kg k. L h hm hg h. L D Dm Dg DL b m g L d dm dg d. L c cm cg c. L m mm mg m. L Any time you see a letter by itself, it is a base unit!

Using the Chart k h D b d c m When given a number, such as 3 meters, you must put the decimal at the end. 3 m = 3. 0 m *Each letter represents a decimal place.

Using the Chart cont’d k h D b d c m When asked to convert 3 meters (3. 0 m), find your starting point on the chart. Meter, m, is a base unit.

Using the Chart cont’d k h D b d * c m Convert 3 meters (3. 0 m) to centimeters. Remember that centimeters is cm. Locate where you are headed on the chart. Count the letters between the two areas.

Using the Chart cont’d k h D b d c m There are two letters between the two areas. Each letter represents a decimal place. We are moving two decimal places. We are moving from meters (b) to centimeters (c), which is left to right.

Our answer is… Convert 3 meters to centimeters. 3. 0 m = ___ cm Move the decimal to the right two places 3. 0 m = 300. cm The final answer is 3 m = 300 cm

Now try a few others 25 g = ___ kg • 25 g =. 025 kg 47 cm = ___ mm • 47 cm = 470 mm 1, 030 mm = ___ m • 1, 030 mm = 1. 03 m 67 kg = ___ g • 67 kg = 67, 000 g 455 m. L = ___ L • 455 m. L =. 455 L