This document provides instructions on the metric system and metric conversions. It explains that the metric system is based on base units like meters, liters, and grams. It also describes the prefixes that are multiples of 10, which increase or decrease the base unit by powers of 10. The document teaches the "ladder method" for metric conversions, which involves moving the decimal place left or right based on the prefix. It provides examples of converting between units like meters to centimeters. Finally, it includes practice problems for converting between metric units.

1. Metric ConversionsMetric Conversions
September 4, 2013September 4, 2013

2. ObjectivesObjectives
1.1. Draw the metric staircaseDraw the metric staircase
2.2. Understand powers of 10Understand powers of 10
3.3. Practice Metric ConversionsPractice Metric Conversions

3. Metric SystemMetric System
 based on a base unit that corresponds to abased on a base unit that corresponds to a
certain kind of measurementcertain kind of measurement
 Length = meterLength = meter
 Volume = literVolume = liter
 Weight (Mass) = gramWeight (Mass) = gram
 Prefixes plus base units make up the metricPrefixes plus base units make up the metric
systemsystem
– Example:Example:
 Centi + meter = CentimeterCenti + meter = Centimeter
 Kilo + liter = KiloliterKilo + liter = Kiloliter

4. Metric SystemMetric System
 These prefixes are based on the power of 10These prefixes are based on the power of 10
 From each prefix every “step” is eitherFrom each prefix every “step” is either
– 10 times bigger10 times bigger
oror
-- 10 times smaller-- 10 times smaller
 KKidsids HHateate DDoingoing MMathath DDuringuring CChristmashristmas MMorningorning
KKiloilo HHectoecto DDekaeka
LiterLiter
MMetereter
GramGram
DDecieci CCentienti MMilliilli

5. For ExampleFor Example
 Centimeters are 10 times bigger than millimetersCentimeters are 10 times bigger than millimeters
 Therefore it takes MORE millimeters to make theTherefore it takes MORE millimeters to make the
same lengthsame length
 1 Centimeter = 10 millimeters1 Centimeter = 10 millimeters
KiloKilo HectoHecto DekaDeka
LiterLiter
MeterMeter
GramGram
DeciDeci CentiCenti MilliMilli

6. KILO
1000
Units
HECTO
100
Units
DEKA
10
Units
DECI
0.1
Unit
CENTI
0.01
Unit
MILLI
0.001
Unit
Meters
Liters
Grams
Ladder Method
How do you use the “ladder” method?
1st
– Determine your starting point.
2nd
– Count the “jumps” to your ending point.
3rd
– Move the decimal the same number of
jumps in the same direction.
4 km = _________ m
1
2
3
How many jumps does it take?
Starting Point Ending Point
4.
1
__.
2
__.
3
__. = 4000 m

7. Metric StaircaseMetric Staircase
 Move the decimal place one place for each “step”Move the decimal place one place for each “step”
11.. metermeter
= 10= 10.. DecimetersDecimeters
= 100= 100.. CentimetersCentimeters
KiloKilo HectoHecto DekaDeka
LiterLiter
MeterMeter
GramGram
DeciDeci CentiCenti MilliMilli

8.  Now try Meters to KilometersNow try Meters to Kilometers
(Remember it’s to the left now)(Remember it’s to the left now)
1 Meter1 Meter
== ..1 Dekameters1 Dekameters
== ..01 Hectometers01 Hectometers
== ..001 KiloMeters001 KiloMeters
KiloKilo HectoHecto DekaDeka
LiterLiter
MeterMeter
GramGram
DeciDeci CentiCenti MilliMilli

9. RememberRemember
 For every move to theFor every move to the rightright you move theyou move the
decimal to thedecimal to the rightright
 For every move to theFor every move to the leftleft you move theyou move the
decimal to thedecimal to the leftleft
KiloKilo HectoHecto DekaDeka
LiterLiter
MeterMeter
GramGram
DeciDeci CentiCenti MilliMilli

10. Try these conversions using the ladder method.
10 mg = _______ g 0.1 L = _______ mL 1.60 cm = _______ mm
1.4 km = _______ m 10.9 g = _______ kg 2500 m = _______ km
Conversion Practice
Compare using <, >, or =.
5.6 cm 60 m 70 g 69.8 mg

11. More PracticeMore Practice
3.68 kg = ____________ g3.68 kg = ____________ g
568 cm = ____________m568 cm = ____________m
8700 mL = ___________L8700 mL = ___________L
25 mg = ____________g25 mg = ____________g

12. More PracticeMore Practice
 0.101cm = _____________mm0.101cm = _____________mm
 250mL = _____________L250mL = _____________L
 600 g = _____________kg600 g = _____________kg
 8900mm = _____________m8900mm = _____________m

13. More PracticeMore Practice
 0.000004 m = ____________mm0.000004 m = ____________mm
 0.250 kg = _____________mg0.250 kg = _____________mg