Compare and convert metric units

Learning Objectives Identify the base metric units for length (meter), mass (gram), and capacity (liter). Understand the meaning of the prefixes kilo-, centi-, and milli- and their relationship to the base unit. Convert larger metric units to smaller metric units (e.g., kilometers to meters, kilograms to grams, liters to milliliters). Convert smaller metric units to larger metric units (e.g., centimeters to meters, grams to kilograms). Compare two metric measurements with different units using the symbols <, >, or =. Solve one-step word problems that require metric unit conversions. Have you ever wondered how many tiny milliliters are in your big bottle of juice? 🥤 Let's find out how to measure and compare everything in the world around us! In this lesson, we wi...

TermDefinitionExample Metric SystemA system of measurement used by most of the world. It's easy to use because it is based on powers of 10.Measuring length in meters, mass in grams, and volume in liters are all part of the metric system. Meter (m)The base unit for measuring length or distance.The width of a classroom door is about 1 meter. Gram (g)The base unit for measuring mass (how heavy something is).A single paperclip has a mass of about 1 gram. Liter (L)The base unit for measuring capacity or liquid volume.A large carton of milk often holds 1 liter. PrefixA word part added to the beginning of a base unit to change its value.In 'kilometer', 'kilo-' is the prefix. It means 1,000. So, a kilometer is 1,000 meters. ConversionChanging a measurement from one unit t...

Rule 1: Converting Larger Units to Smaller Units Number of smaller units = Number of larger units \times Conversion Factor When you are changing from a big unit (like meters) to a smaller unit (like centimeters), you will have MORE of the smaller units. So, you need to MULTIPLY. Rule 2: Converting Smaller Units to Larger Units Number of larger units = Number of smaller units \div Conversion Factor When you are changing from a small unit (like grams) to a bigger unit (like kilograms), you will have FEWER of the bigger units. So, you need to DIVIDE. Key Conversion Factors 1 km = 1,000 m \| 1 m = 100 cm \| 1 kg = 1,000 g \| 1 L = 1,000 mL These are the most important facts to memorize. They are the 'Conversion Factors' you will use to multiply or divide.