Metric System notes
Some things to Remember when converting any type of measures:
To
convert from a larger to smaller metric unit you always multiply
To convert from a smaller to larger unit
you always divide
The
Latin prefixes used in the metric system literally mean the number they represent.
Example:
1 kilo
gram = 1000 grams
A kilo is 1000 of something just like a dozen
is 12 of something.
This is the metric conversion stair chart. You basically take a place value chart turn it sideways and expand it so it looks like stairs. The Latin prefixes literally mean the number indicated. Meter, liter or gram can be used interchangeably.
You use this chart to convert metric measurements like this:
For every step upward on the
chart you are dividing by 10 or moving the decimal one place to the left..
Pretend
you are standing on the milli-gram stair tread and to get to the 1-gram stair
tread you move up 3 steps dividing by 10 each time.
1000/10 = 100
100/10 = 10 10/10 = 1
or
1000/1000
= 1
or use the shortcut and just move the
decimal place one place to the left with each step
1000
milligrams = 1 gram.
When you move down the stairs you are multiplying by 10 for each step. SO you are adding a zero to your original number and moving the decimal one place to the right with each step.
Example:
To convert 2 kilometers to meters
you move 3 steps down on the chart so you add 3 zeros to the 2.
2 kilometers = 2000 meters
Conversion factors to know / memorize
2.2 pounds equals 1 kilogram
2.54 centimeters equals 1 inch
F = (C X 1.8) + 32
C = F – 32
1.8
Problems:
1.) 3 meters = ______ centimeters
2.) 40 liters = ______ dekaliters
3.) 600 milligrams = _______ grams
4.) 5 kilometers = __________ hectometers
5.) 70 centimeters = _________ meters
6.) 900 deciliters= _______ dekaliters
7.) John's pet python measured 600 centimeters long. How many meters long was the snake?
8.) Faith weighed 5 kilograms at birth. How many grams did she weigh?