The Metric SystemThe Metric System

System International (SI)System International (SI)

The Imperial SystemThe Imperial System

Great system because it was Great system because it was based on tools you had with based on tools you had with you. YOUR BODY PARTS!you. YOUR BODY PARTS!

Foot the size of your foot.Foot the size of your foot. Yard the distance from your Yard the distance from your

nose to the tip of your finger.nose to the tip of your finger. Problem, different people had Problem, different people had

different sizes.different sizes.

Solution!Solution!

Use the King’s body parts to Use the King’s body parts to standardize measurement.standardize measurement.

Problem. The system is not Problem. The system is not very friendly.very friendly.

If you have 2 yards how many If you have 2 yards how many inches do you have?inches do you have?

2 yds * 3 ft/yd * 12 inch/ft = 72 2 yds * 3 ft/yd * 12 inch/ft = 72 inches!inches!

Solution!Solution!

Metric System (SI)Metric System (SI) Why did we switch?Why did we switch? Two reasons.Two reasons. 1.)1.) The metric system is easier The metric system is easier

to use because it is based in 10.to use because it is based in 10. 2.)2.) Used everywhere else in Used everywhere else in

the world.the world. Except USA. Except USA.

How is it easier?How is it easier?

There is only one base for each There is only one base for each type of measurement.type of measurement.

Distance = meters (m)Distance = meters (m) Mass = grams (g)Mass = grams (g) Volume = liters (L)Volume = liters (L) Time = seconds (s)Time = seconds (s) We combine the bases with We combine the bases with

Prefixes.Prefixes.

What are Prefixes?What are Prefixes?

Pre = beforePre = before Fix = attachedFix = attached Prefix = attached beforePrefix = attached before

Metric prefixesMetric prefixes

G_ _ M_ _ k h da Base d c m_ _ µ_ _ nG_ _ M_ _ k h da Base d c m_ _ µ_ _ n Any prefix can be attached before a base Any prefix can be attached before a base

to measure larger or smaller then the base.to measure larger or smaller then the base. Each step on the list is worth 10.Each step on the list is worth 10. Moving to the left is 10 bigger.Moving to the left is 10 bigger. Moving to the right is 10 smaller.Moving to the right is 10 smaller. How many steps from base to M?How many steps from base to M? 6 bigger means 1 000 000.6 bigger means 1 000 000. How many steps from base to n?How many steps from base to n? 9 smaller means .000 000 0019 smaller means .000 000 001

Metric ConversionMetric Conversion

Always start with the prefix list.Always start with the prefix list. G_ _ M_ _ k h da Base d c m_ _ µ_ _ nG_ _ M_ _ k h da Base d c m_ _ µ_ _ n

Convert 648 kg to mg.Convert 648 kg to mg. 1. find the prefix to start on?1. find the prefix to start on? k = Kilo.k = Kilo. 2. Where are you going?2. Where are you going? m = mili.m = mili. 3. Count the steps.3. Count the steps. 6 steps to the right.6 steps to the right.

The resultThe result

648 kg to mg.648 kg to mg. 4. Find the decimal?4. Find the decimal? Behind the 8.Behind the 8. Move it?Move it? 6 to the right.6 to the right. Fill the empty spots with Zeros.Fill the empty spots with Zeros. 648 000 000 mg ANSWER.648 000 000 mg ANSWER.

You TryYou Try

G_ _ M_ _ k h da Base d c m_ _ µ_ _ nG_ _ M_ _ k h da Base d c m_ _ µ_ _ n

5438 mL to L?5438 mL to L? Any time there is just one symbol it means Any time there is just one symbol it means

you are at the Base!you are at the Base! Answer 5.438 LAnswer 5.438 L 654 m to dm?654 m to dm? Answer 6540 dmAnswer 6540 dm

Metric Conversion PracticeMetric Conversion Practice

Complete the practice sheet for Complete the practice sheet for tomorrow.tomorrow.