1. Q: Why do we use the metric system?
So we can convert from one unit to another
This will help show how things are related in terms of size, amount, time, temp, etc.
We call the conversion from one unit to another DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

2. Rules for Conversions Hint 1:
Always start by writing down what you know (what are you given?)
Hint 2:
If you have 2 units with prefixes, convert to the base unit first

3. Rules for Conversions
Set up the units so that unwanted units cancel out
Hint 3:
If a unit was previously on top, it must go on bottom to cancel!

4. Rules for Conversions
2. Draw your DA grid and add in appropriate numbers.

5. Rules for Conversions 3. Cancel the units, complete the math
- multiplying ALL the top numbers together
- Multiplying ALL the bottom numbers together
- Divide your top answer by your bottom answer

6. Rules for Conversions

7. EXAMPLES 100 ft 1 mi 1.609 km 1 5280 ft 10 cm 1 in 1 2.54 cm 0.002 km
How many kilometers are in 100 feet?
How many inches are in 10 cm?
How many decimeters are in kilometers?
100 ft
1 mi
1.609 km 1
5280 ft
10 cm
1 in 1
2.54 cm
0.002 km
1000 m
10 dm 1
1 km
1 m