Compare and convert metric units of weight

Learning Objectives Identify the base unit and common prefixes for metric weight (kilo-, centi-, milli-, micro-). Convert between any two metric units of weight by multiplying or dividing by powers of 10. Express very large or very small weights using scientific notation. Compare two or more weights given in different metric units. Solve multi-step word problems involving metric weight conversions. Set up and solve algebraic expressions involving metric weight conversions. A single feather weighs about 9 milligrams, but a blue whale can weigh 180 metric tons! How many feathers would it take to equal the weight of one blue whale? ⚖️ This tutorial will guide you through the logical system of metric weights. You will master converting between units like kilograms, grams, and m...

TermDefinitionExample Gram (g)The base unit of mass (often used interchangeably with weight in this context) in the metric system. It's approximately the mass of one small paperclip.A standard sugar cube weighs about 4 grams. Metric PrefixesSyllables attached to the beginning of a base unit to indicate a multiple or fraction of that unit. In the metric system, these are based on powers of 10.In 'kilogram', 'kilo-' is the prefix meaning 1000. So, 1 kilogram = 1000 grams. Kilogram (kg)A unit of weight equal to 1,000 grams. It is the most common unit for measuring a person's weight or groceries.A standard bag of flour weighs 1 kilogram. Milligram (mg)A unit of weight equal to one-thousandth of a gram (1/1000 g). It is often used for measuring medicines or small...

Converting Larger to Smaller Units W_{small} = W_{large} \times 10^n To convert from a larger unit to a smaller unit, you multiply. The exponent 'n' represents the number of places you move down the metric scale (e.g., from kg to g, n=3; from g to mg, n=3). Converting Smaller to Larger Units W_{large} = W_{small} \div 10^n = W_{small} \times 10^{-n} To convert from a smaller unit to a larger unit, you divide (or multiply by a negative exponent). The exponent 'n' represents the number of places you move up the metric scale (e.g., from mg to g, n=3; from g to kg, n=3).