METRIC CONVERSION

Target

I can label my measurements with the correct metric unit.

I can convert from one metric unit to another.

The Metric System

In science, we must always use the metric system.

That means . . . NO INCHES!

Base Units

Each type of measurement has its own base unit.

Mass = grams = g Liquid Volume = liters = L Length = meters = m

Prefixes

You can attach a prefix to the base unit to specify a certain quantity.

kilo- means 1000 (abbreviated k) hecto- means 100 (abbreviated h) Deca- means 10 (abbreviated D) deci- means 0.1 (abbreviated d) centi- means 0.01 (abbreviated c) milli- means 0.001 (abbreviated m)

Write the correct abbreviation for each metric unit:1. kilogram

2. meter

3. gram

4. milliliter

5. millimeter

6. kilometer

7. centiliter

8. decagram

9. decimeter

10.liter

What are Metric Conversions?

Sometimes we need to change from one measurement to another.

This is usually done because the unit that is used is either too big or too small for that

type of measurement.

TOO BIG !!!

525,568 millimeters

Sometimes the number is too big for the unit being measured.

Too Small

.00654 km

Sometimes the number is too small for the unit being

measured

How Do We Fix This Problem?

We can correct these problems by doing a process called Metric Conversion. When you do a Metric Conversion, you are changing from one unit of measurement to another.

So How Do I Do A Metric Conversion?

You just have to remember:

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use the first letters of each word:

k h D u d c m

each letter represents a prefix

kilo- hecto- Deca- unit deci- centi- milli-

1. Circle the unit you are starting with.

2. Count over to the unit you want to end with.

3. Move the decimal that many places in the same direction you moved in.

k h D u d c m

3km = ?m

Convert 45,657mm to km.

k h D u d c m

525568 mL = ? L

0.00654 kg = ? g

253m = ? cm

You try these!

1. 160cm = ? mm

2. 700mg = ? kg

3. 15cL = ? mL

4. 5.6dL = ? L

5. 2000mg = ?g