Converting Metric Units

Common Metric Measurements DistanceMassCapacity 1 km = 1,000 m1 kg = 1,000 g1 L = 1,000 mL 1 m = 100 cm1 g = 1,000 mg 1 cm = 10 mm

Converting Metric Units Here is an acronym to help you remember the order of the prefixes of the metric system. B IGGER to Smaller King Henry Doesn’t Usually Drink Chocolate Milk iloilo ectoecto ekaeka ecieci entienti illiilli nitnit The “Unit” refers to when you are working with the pure unit – ex. - a meter or a liter.

Converting Metric Units In the metric system, the value of each unit is 10 times greater than the value of the unit to its right. Therefore, when you want to convert one unit of measure to another, simply multiple or divide by a power of 10 (ex.: x 10 1, ÷ 10 2 or x 10 3 ) for each step that you take.

Converting Metric Units For the following conversions, indicate whether you would multiply or divide and by which amount you would multiply or divide. 1.) Grams to milligrams 2.) centiliters to kiloliters 3.) Millimeters to kilometers

Strategy: * Find the metric unit that you are converting from and to. * Determine what power of 10 you need to multiple or divide by. * Multiply or divide by the correct power of 10. ** NOTE: You can also convert metric units by using conversion factors or proportions. ** Example 1: The width of a book is about 22 centimeters. How many millimeters wide is the book? Original problem Cm is one step larger than mm on the scale. Therefore, we will multiply 22 by 10 1 or 10. Final answer 22 cm = __ mm = = mm 22 cm are equal to 220 mm. Converting Metric Units Using Powers of Ten

Strategy: * Find the metric unit that you are converting from and to. * Determine what multiple of 10 you need to power or divide by. * Multiply or divide by the correct power of 10. ** NOTE: You can also convert metric units by using conversion factors or proportions. ** Example 2: A water bottle holds about 400 milliliters. How many liters of water does the bottle hold? Original problem mL is three steps smaller than L. Therefore, we will divide 400 by 10 3 or 1,000. Final answer 400 mL = __ L 400 ÷ 10 3 = 400 ÷ 1,000 = L 400 mL are equal to 0.4 L. Converting Metric Units Using Powers of Ten

5.2 kg __ 60 g = 5.2 1,000 = ,200 g Strategy: * Determine which unit you want both measurements to have. * Then, convert both measurements to the same unit. * Compare the measurements and place the correct symbol between them. Example 3: Compare 5.2 kg to 60 g. Original problem kg is three steps larger than g. Therefore, we will multiply 5.2 by 10 3 or 1,000. Final answer Conclusion: 5.2 kg = 5,200 g Therefore, 5.2 kg. _>_ 60 g. Comparing Different Units Converting Metric Units

Try these: Convert the measurements listed below using powers of ten. 1.) A desk is 60 cm wide. How many meters wide is the desk? 2.) A ball of clay has a mass of 4 kg. What is the mass of the clay in grams? Converting Metric Units

Try these: Convert the measurements listed below using powers of ten. 3.) A bottle of water contains 0.8 L. How many mL does the bottle hold? 4.) A room is 8.2 meters wide. How wide is the room in centimeters? Converting Metric Units

Real-Life Application The Eurostar is a high-speed train that can travel up to 300 km/hr. The train travels from London to Paris under the English Channel. The distance between the two cities is 495 km. How many meters is this distance? Converting Metric Units