By Ms. Taraska

The Metric System

What is the metric system?

Definition: A worldwide system of measurement based on the powers/multiples of ten.

Centered around base units for types of measurements:

Decimal-based system

International System of Units (SI)

A universal more modern form of the metric

system that is also based on multiples of tens.

Centered around base units for types of

measurements:

Where is the metric system used today?

Where have you seen the metric

system in your everyday life?

Metric vs. English Systems

Metric System English System

Use of decimals

Numbers based on multiples of 10

More universally used

Standard system of measurement

for scientists and medical world

Simpler conversions

Use of fractions

“Random” numbers

Used by far fewer countries

How do the two systems compare?

Simple Complex

English & Metric Conversions

English

English to Metric Conversions

Common English to Metric Conversions… Mass:

2.2 pounds ≈ 1kg or 1 ounce ≈ 28g

Length:

1.1 yards ≈ 1m or 1 inch ≈ 2.5cm

Volume

1.06 quarts ≈ 1 L or 1 teaspoon ≈ 5mL

The Metric System - Prefixes Metric prefixes can be added to any base unit in order to express

multiples of ten.

Base units: Mass – grams(g), Volume – liters (L) & Length – meters (m)

Mnemonic devices for memorization:

King Henry Died Under Dead Cow’s Milk

Kangaroos Hop Down Mountains Drinking Chocolate Milk

Note:

Micrometers (microns; µm) used for measuring bacteria

Nanometers (nm) used for measuring viruses

The Metric Staircase

Larger to smaller unit

Multiply by 10

Smaller to larger unit

Divide by 10

Note: Each unit is 10x larger than the next smaller unit.

Gram (g)

Liter (L)

Meter (m)

Metric Conversions

Converting a larger unit to a smaller unit…

Move the decimal point to the right or multiply by 10 per each unit.

Example: 1km = _________cm?

Move the decimal 5 places to the right to solve for cm

Or Multiply 1km by 100,000 to solve for cm

Converting a smaller unit to a larger unit…

Move the decimal point to the left or divide by 10 per each unit.

Example: 5 dm = ______hm?

Move the decimal place 3 places to the left to solve for hm

Or divide 1dm by 1,000 to solve for hm

100,000

.005

Metric Relationships

Volume to Length

1 mL (milliliter) = 1 cc or 1 cm3 (cubic centimeter)

Volume to Mass

1L of water = 1kg

Length to Volume to Mass

1cm3 of water = 1mL water and has a mass of 1g

1L of water