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. 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:

6. Next:
Above the tick marks write the abbreviations for the King Henry pneumonic:
k h d u d c m m
Write the unit in the middle under the “U”.

7. Let’s add the meter line:
k h d u d c m
km hm dam m dm cm mm

8. 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.

9. 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 dam m dm cm mm

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

11. 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.

12. Example #2: Look at the problem. 7.25 m = ____ km
Look at the unit that has a number m
On the device put your pencil on that unit.
k h d u d c m
km hm dam m dm cm mm

13. Example #2: Move to new unit, counting jumps and
noticing the direction of the jump!
k h d u d c m
km hm dam m dm cm mm
Three jumps to the left!

14. .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 m = ____ km
Three jumps
to the left!
Move decimal to the left three jumps.
Add two zeros as placeholders.

15. Example #3: Try this problem on your own: 45,000 m = ____mm
k h d u d c m
km hm dam m dm cm mm

16. 45,000.000. Example #3: Three jumps to the right! k h d u d c m
km hm dam m dm cm mm
Three jumps to the right!
45,

17. 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

18. .00005. Example #4: Five jumps to the left! k h d u d c m
km hm dam m dm cm mm
Five jumps to the left!

19. Lets Try Some Together
You may use any system to help you solve these problems.
When you have the answer please sit quietly and raise your hand and wait to be called on.
Make sure you have the correct label

20. Convert 65.7 hm to decimeters
Example 5
Convert 65.7 hm to decimeters

21. Example 6
Convert 125 dm to dam

22. Example 7
Convert 560,356 mm to m

23. Convert 98 mm to centimeters
Example 8
Convert 98 mm to centimeters

24. Example 9
Convert 5 km to meters

25. Convert 6,000 m to kilometers
Example 10
Convert 6,000 m to kilometers

26. Examples #11-15:
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 #11-14: (11) 35 mm = ____ cm (12) 14,443 m= ____ km
(13) km = ____ m
(14)35.4 m = ____ mm
(14)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!