CHAPTER 1THE METRIC SYSTEM

Converting Units Using Dimensional Analysis

Reminder - Metric Prefixes

Prefix Symbol Meaning

kilo- k 1000 (one thousand)

hecto- h 100 (one hundred)

deca- da 10 (ten)

(base unit) -----------------------

deci- d 0.1 (one tenth)

centi- c 0.01 (one hundredth)

milli- m 0.001 (one thousandth)

The base unit can be one of the many SI or

metric units.

Examples:• meter• second• liter• gram

Steps for Converting – Let’s Do One Together

1. Write down the conversion factors.

2. Write down what you’re starting with and draw a set of boxes for each conversion factor.

3. Write in the conversion factor in the next box in a way that cancels what you don’t want and keeps what you do want.

4. Check to be sure units are correct.

5. Multiply the top boxes and divide by the bottom boxes.

6. Write numerical answer with units.

Example 1

401 cm = ? m

You Try - #1

14 g = ? mg

Example #2

643 min = ? hr

You Try - #2

843 s = ? min

Example #3

560 cg = ? kg

You Try - #3

108 mL = ? kL

You Try - #4 (Don’t be tricked!)

350 mL = ? cm3

You Try - #5

3000 cm3 = ? L

Write the correct abbreviation for each metric unit.

1) Kilogram _____ 4) Milliliter _____ 7) Kilometer _____

2) Meter _____ 5) Millimeter _____ 8) Centimeter _____

3) Gram _____ 6) Liter _____ 9) Milligram _____

Try these conversions.

10) 2000 mg = _______ g 15) 5 L = _______ mL 20) 16 cm = _______ mm

11) 104 km = _______ m 16) 198 g = _______ kg 21) 2500 m = _______ km

12) 480 cm = _____ m 17) 75 mL = _____ L 22) 65 g = _____ mg

13) 5.6 kg = _____ g 18) 50 cm = _____ m 23) 6.3 cm = _____ mm

14) 8 mm = _____ cm 19) 5.6 m = _____ cm 24) 120 mg = _____ g

Metric Conversion Challenge