The Metric System

• Scientists use the metric system when measuring.

MAP TAP 2002-2003 Quantitative and Qualitative Observations 1

The metric system is based on the number 10, so converting in the metric system is easy – just move the decimal point!

Basic Units in the Metric System

• Meter –(m) – measure distance

• Liter – (l) – measures volume

• Gram – (g) – measures mass (weight)

MAP TAP 2002-2003 Quantitative and Qualitative Observations 2

Prefixes in the Metric System

MAP TAP 2002-2003 Quantitative and Qualitative Observations 3

Kilo (k) - base times 1000

Hecto (h) – base times 100

Deca (dk) – base times 10

BASE (meter, liter, or gram)

Deci (d) – base divided by 10

Centi (c) – base divided by 100

Milli (m) – base divided by 1000

King

Henry

Died

By

Drinking

Chocolate

Milk

To Convert In the Metric System:

• Put an “X” on the amount you know.

MAP TAP 2002-2003 4

_____ ______ _____ ___X__ _____ ______ _____

K H D B D C M

36.54 m = ______ cm

To Convert In the Metric System:

• Put an “X” on the amount you know.• Put a “?” on the amount you are trying to find.

MAP TAP 2002-2003 5

_____ ______ _____ ___X__ _____ __?___ _____

K H D B D C M

36.54 m = ______ cm

To Convert In the Metric System:

• Put an “X” on the amount you know.• Put a “?” on the amount you are trying to find.• Count from the “X” to the “?”.

MAP TAP 2002-2003 6

_____ ______ _____ ___X__ _____ __?___ _____

K H D B D C M

36.54 m = ______ cm

2

To Convert In the Metric System:

• Put an “X” on the amount you know.• Put a “?” on the amount you are trying to find.• Count from the “X” to the “?”.• Move the decimal point the same number of

places in the same direction.

MAP TAP 2002-2003 7

_____ ______ _____ ___X__ _____ __?___ _____

K H D B D C M

36.54 m = _3654._ cm

2

To Convert In the Metric System:

• Put an “X” on the amount you know.• Put a “?” on the amount you are trying to

find.• Count from the “X” to the “?”.• Move the decimal point the same number

of places in the same direction.• Add zeroes if necessary to be able to move

the decimal point.

MAP TAP 2002-2003 Quantitative and Qualitative Observations 8

To Convert In the Metric System:

• Put an “X” on the amount you know.• Put a “?” on the amount you are trying to find.• Count from the “X” to the “?”.• Move the decimal point the same number of

places in the same direction.• Add zeroes if necessary to be able to move the

decimal point.• If the number doesn’t have a decimal point, put it

at the end of the number.

MAP TAP 2002-2003 Quantitative and Qualitative Observations 9