Metric System Notes

1. Metric System Notes How to convert within the metric system

2. 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��

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

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

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

6. 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 star represents a decimal place.

7. 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

8. 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 stars between the two areas. Using the Chart cont�d

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

10. Our answer is� Convert 3 meters to centimeters. 3.0 m = ___ cm Move the decimal to the right two places 3.0 m = 30. = 300. cm The final answer is 3 m = 300 cm

11. Now try a few others 25 g = ___ kg 47 cm = ___ mm 1,030 mm = ___ m 67 kg = ___ g 455 mL = ___ L 25 g = .025 kg 47 cm = 470 mm 1,030 mm = 1.03 m 67 kg = 67,000 g 455 mL = .455 L