An Illustrated Method For Converting Between SI Units The Metric System An Illustrated Method For Converting Between SI Units

Why think metric? Standardized system of measurement Conversions are based of 10’s Each word and abbreviation means only one thing System used by scientists

Root Words Root Abbreviation Use meter m linear distance, solids liter liquid volume gram g mass

Prefixes Prefix Abbreviation Meaning centi- c 1/100 = 10-2 milli- m 1/1000 = 10-3 micro-  1/1,000,000 = 10-6 kilo- k 1,000 = 103

Tools of Measurement Meter Liter Gram Ruler Graduated cylinders 1 cm Meter Ruler Liter Graduated cylinders Pipettes Gram Balances

Conversions Draw a number line 10-5 10-3 m 10-2 c 10-1 100 Root 101 102 103 k 10-4 10-6 

Start with what you know 16.9 cm = _____ m 10-5 10-3 m 10-2 c 10-1 100 Root 101 102 103 k 10-4 10-6 

What do you not know? 16.9 cm = ? m 10-5 10-3 m 10-2 c 10-1 100 Root 101 102 103 k 10-4 10-6 

Connect the two 10-5 10-3 m 10-2 c 10-1 100 Root 101 102 103 k 10-4 10-6 

Count the arrows 2 10-5 10-3 m 10-2 c 10-1 100 Root 101 102 103 k 10-4 10-6 

Note the direction From right to left 10-5 10-3 m 10-2 c 10-1 100 Root 101 102 103 k 10-4 10-6 

Now move the decimal 16.9 cm Move 2 places to the left .169 m