1. Converting Units Using Dimensional Analysis
Chapter 1
The Metric System

2. Reminder - Metric Prefixes
Symbol
Meaning
kilo- k
1000 (one thousand)
hecto- h
100 (one hundred)
deca- da
10 (ten)
(base unit)
deci- d
0.1 (one tenth)
centi- c
0.01 (one hundredth)
milli- m
0.001 (one thousandth)
The base unit can be one of the many SI or metric units.
Examples:
meter
second
liter
gram

3. Steps for Converting – Let’s Do One Together
Write down the conversion factors.
Write down what you’re starting with and draw a set of boxes for each conversion factor.
Write in the conversion factor in the next box in a way that cancels what you don’t want and keeps what you do want.
Check to be sure units are correct.
Multiply the top boxes and divide by the bottom boxes.
Write numerical answer with units.

4. Example 1
401 cm = ? m

5. You Try - #1
14 g = ? mg

6. Example #2
643 min = ? hr

7. You Try - #2
843 s = ? min

8. Example #3
560 cg = ? kg

9. You Try - #3
108 mL = ? kL

10. You Try - #4 (Don’t be tricked!)
350 mL = ? cm3

11. You Try - #5
3000 cm3 = ? L

12. Metric Conversion Challenge
Write the correct abbreviation for each metric unit.
1) Kilogram _____ 4) Milliliter _____ 7) Kilometer _____
2) Meter _____ 5) Millimeter _____ 8) Centimeter _____
3) Gram _____ 6) Liter _____ 9) Milligram _____
Try these conversions.
10) 2000 mg = _______ g 15) 5 L = _______ mL 20) 16 cm = _______ mm
11) 104 km = _______ m 16) 198 g = _______ kg 21) 2500 m = _______ km
12) 480 cm = _____ m 17) 75 mL = _____ L 22) 65 g = _____ mg
13) 5.6 kg = _____ g 18) 50 cm = _____ m 23) 6.3 cm = _____ mm
14) 8 mm = _____ cm 19) 5.6 m = _____ cm 24) 120 mg = _____ g