1. How to convert within the metric system
METRIC CONVERSION
How to convert within the metric system
© Copyright   M. J. Krech. All rights reserved.

2. 1 x 10 = 10 10 X 10 = 100 10 x 100 = 1,000 The Metric System
is based on sets of 10.
1 x 10 = 10
10 X 10 = 100
10 x 100 = 1,000

3. Is used by scientists all over the world!
The Metric System
Is used by scientists all over the world!

4. Do you remember…
King
Henry?

5. The pneumonic: Memorize this! King Henry Died Unexpectedly
Drinking Chocolate Milk
Memorize      this!

6. You must also know…
…how to convert within the Metric System. Here’s a good device:
On your paper draw a line and add 7 tick marks:

7. Next:
Above the tick marks write the abbreviations for the King Henry pneumonic:
k h D u d c m M L g
Write the units in the middle under the “U”.

8. Let’s add the meter line:
k h D u d c m
km hm Dm m dm cm mm L g

9. Let’s add the liter line:
k h D u d c m
km hm Dm m dm cm mm
kL hL DL L dL cL mL g
Deca can also be dk or da

10. Let’s add the gram line:
k h D u d c m
km hm Dm m dm cm mm
kL hL DL L dL cL mL
kg hg Dg g dg cg mg

11. How to use this device: Look at the problem. Look at the unit
that has a number. On the device put
your pencil on that unit.
Move to new unit, counting jumps and noticing the direction of the jump.
3. Move decimal in original number the same # of spaces and in the same direction.

12. Example #1: Look at the problem. 56 cm = _____ mm
Look at the unit that has a number. 56 cm
On the device put your pencil on that unit.
k h d u d c m
km hm DL m dm cm mm

13. Example #1: Move to new unit, counting jumps and
noticing the direction of the jump!
k h d u d c m
km hm DL m dm cm mm
One jump to the right!

14. Example #1:
Move decimal in original number the same # of spaces and in the same direction.
56 cm = _____ mm
56.0.
One jump
to the right!
Move decimal one jump to the right.
Add a zero as a placeholder.

15. Example #1:
56 cm = _____ mm
56cm = 560 mm

16. Example #2: Look at the problem. 7.25 L = ____ kL
Look at the unit that has a number L
On the device put your pencil on that unit.
k h d u d c m
kl hl DL L dl cl ml

17. Example #2: Move to new unit, counting jumps and
noticing the direction of the jump!
k h d u d c m
kL hL DL L dL cL mL
Three jumps to the left!

18. .007.25 Example #2: Move decimal to the left three jumps.
(3) Move decimal in original number
the same # of spaces and in the same direction.
7.25 L = ____ kL
Three jumps
to the left!
Move decimal to the left three jumps.
Add two zeros as placeholders.

19. Example #2:
7.25 L = ____ kL
7.25 L = kL

20. Example #3: Try this problem on your own: 45,000 g = ____mg
k h d u d c m
kg hg DL g dg cg mg

21. 45,000.000. Example #3: Three jumps to the right! k h d u d c m
kg hg DL g dg cg mg
Three jumps to the right!
45,

22. Example #3:
45,000 g = 45,000,000 mg
Three jumps to the right!

23. Example #4: Try this problem on your own: 5 cm = ____ km k h d u d c m
km hm dam m dm cm mm

24. .00005. Example #4: Five jumps to the left! k h d u d c m
km hm Dm m dm cm mm
Five jumps to the left!

25. Example #4:
5 cm = km
Five jumps to the left!

26. Examples #5-9:
Solve these five problems on your own. Show your answers to your teacher.
You may choose to use the King Henry Notes.
You may choose the King Henry Staircase.
You may also choose to make a King Henry Slider.

27. Examples #5-9: (5) 35 mm = ____ cm (6) 14,443 L = ____ kL
(7) kg = ____ g
(8)35.4 L = ____ mL
(9)16 mm = ____ km

28. One last caution: Be careful NOT
to count the spot you start from, where you put your pencil point.
Only count
the jumps!

29. The End You may choose to ask your teacher for a copy of :
(1) King Henry Notes or
(2) King Henry Staircase or
(3) King Henry Slider.