1. THE METRIC SYSTEM

2. The Metric System
The metric system is a universal measurement system based on the number 10.

3. The main categories of measurement are:
Meter (m)—a distance value
Liter (L)—a volume value
Gram(g) —a mass value
Second (s)—a time value

4. Using the above values as the base, they can be subdivided by moving the decimal point
To the left to raise the values
To the right to lower the values

5. How to move the decimal point:
To move from a larger value to a smaller value, move the decimal point to the right.
To move from a smaller value to a larger value, move the decimal point to the left.

6. 1000X 100 X 10 X 1.0 base # 1/10 1/100 1/1000 Left Right 1000.0 100.0
Kilo
1000X
1000.0
Hecto
100 X
100.0
Deca
10 X
10.0
Meter,Liter,Gram
1.0
base #
Deci
1/10
0.1
Centi
1/100
0.01
Milli
1/1000
0.001

7. Example problem #1: Convert 20.0 km to m.
Kilometers are larger than meters.
So to move from a larger value to a smaller value, move the decimal point to the right.
Count the number of spaces moved on the chart. You would move 3 spaces from kilo to meters (base unit)
Then move the decimal point 3 spaces to the right
Correct answer is 20,000 m

8. Convert the following values by moving the decimal point the correct number of spaces and in the right direction:
23.5 m = cm
mm = m
98.43 L = mL
34 g = Kg
123.4 cg = Hg
456.3 g = cg
3908 Kl = mL
.045 mg = cg
2.0 m = mm
20 km = m

9. GOOD LUCK!!