1. An Illustrated Method For Converting Between SI Units
The Metric System
An Illustrated Method For
Converting Between
SI Units

2. Why think metric? Standardized system of measurement
Conversions are based of 10’s
Each word and abbreviation means only one thing
System used by scientists

3. Root Words Root Abbreviation Use meter m linear distance, solids liter
liquid volume
gram g
mass

4. Prefixes Prefix Abbreviation Meaning centi- c 1/100 = 10-2 milli- m
1/1000 = 10-3
micro- 
1/1,000,000 = 10-6
kilo- k
1,000 = 103

5. Tools of Measurement Meter Liter Gram Ruler Graduated cylinders
1 cm
Meter
Ruler
Liter
Graduated cylinders
Pipettes
Gram
Balances

6. Conversions Draw a number line 10-5 10-3 m 10-2 c 10-1 100 Root 101
102
103 k
10-4
10-6 

7. Start with what you know
16.9 cm = _____ m
10-5
10-3 m
10-2 c
10-1
100
Root
101
102
103 k
10-4
10-6 

8. What do you not know? 16.9 cm = ? m 10-5 10-3 m 10-2 c 10-1 100 Root
101
102
103 k
10-4
10-6 

9. Connect the two 10-5 10-3 m 10-2 c 10-1 100 Root 101 102 103 k 10-4
10-6 

10. Count the arrows 2 10-5 10-3 m 10-2 c 10-1 100 Root 101 102 103 k 10-4
10-6 

11. Note the direction From right to left 10-5 10-3 m 10-2 c 10-1 100 Root
101
102
103 k
10-4
10-6 

12. Now move the decimal
16.9 cm
Move 2 places to the left
.169 m