Compare and convert metric units

Learning Objectives Identify the base units and common prefixes in the metric system. Convert between different metric units of length (e.g., kilometers to meters, centimeters to millimeters). Convert between different metric units of mass (e.g., kilograms to grams, milligrams to grams). Convert between different metric units of capacity (e.g., liters to milliliters, kiloliters to liters). Compare metric measurements expressed in different units. Solve real-world problems involving metric unit conversions. Ever wonder how much medicine a doctor prescribes, or how far a marathon runner goes? 💊🏃‍♀️ These measurements use the metric system, and knowing how to compare and convert them is super useful! In this lesson, you'll learn the ins and outs of the metric system, fo...

TermDefinitionExample Metric SystemA decimal system of measurement based on powers of 10, used worldwide for length, mass, and capacity.The metric system uses units like meters, grams, and liters, unlike the imperial system which uses feet, pounds, and gallons. Base UnitThe fundamental unit for a specific type of measurement in the metric system, without any prefixes.The meter (m) is the base unit for length, the gram (g) for mass, and the liter (L) for capacity. PrefixA syllable placed before a base unit to indicate a multiple or submultiple of that unit, based on powers of 10.Kilo- means 1000 (e.g., kilometer = 1000 meters), centi- means 0.01 (e.g., centimeter = 0.01 meters), and milli- means 0.001 (e.g., millimeter = 0.001 meters). LengthThe measurement of distance from one point to an...

Metric Prefixes and Powers of 10 The metric system is organized by powers of 10. Each step on the metric scale (e.g., kilo to hecto, or centi to milli) represents a factor of 10. To convert between units, you multiply or divide by powers of 10. Moving from a larger unit to a smaller unit (e.g., kilometers to meters) means multiplying. Moving from a smaller unit to a larger unit (e.g., milliliters to liters) means dividing. The number of 'steps' between units determines the power of 10 (e.g., 1 step = 10, 2 steps = 100, 3 steps = 1000). Converting Larger to Smaller Units When converting from a larger unit to a smaller unit, multiply the measurement by the appropriate power of 10. This rule applies when you are going 'down' the metric scale (e.g., from kilo...