Lesson 14 — Activity 2:

Conversions within the Metric System

 

Sometimes you will need to convert numbers within the system. To do this, you need a chart that lists equivalent measurements.  


Converting within the Metric System

To convert within the metric system, you multiply or divide by 10, or a power of 10 such as 100 or 1,000. To do this, you move the decimal point to the left or right the required number of places, using zeros as place holders when necessary.


Look at the Metric Conversion Chart below. The rules are:

  1. To convert to a smaller unit, move the decimal point to the right or multiply.
  2. To convert to a larger unit, move the decimal point to the left or divide.



Let's try some examples!


Example: Convert 650 millimetres to metres (remember, metre is the basic unit in the chart). 


When converting from a smaller unit (millimetres) to a larger unit (metres), the decimal point moves to the left. Count the number of stairs from millimetres to the basic unit (metres). You would move your decimal three places to the left. Remember to change the unit to metres. Therefore:


650 mm = .650 m 


Example:  Convert 650 centimetres to millimetres. 

When converting from a larger unit (centimetres) to a smaller unit (millimetres), the decimal point moves to the right. Count the number of stairs from centimetres to millimetres. You would move your decimal one place to the right. Remember to change the unit to millimetres. Therefore:


650 cm = 6,500 mm


Example: Convert 1 kilometre to centimetres.

Try this one on your own first using the Metric Conversion Chart above. Check your answer below when you are done.

  Self-check!

Try This!

Converting Metric Units


Convert the following metric units using the chart below. When you are finished, click on the tab to check your answers!


Convert 350 centimetres to metres (basic unit).

Convert 25 kilometres to metres (basic unit).

Convert 250 centimetres to millimetres.



#2. 65 lb x 16 oz = 1,040 ounces


Digging Deeper!

Click on the Play button below to watch a video on how to convert metric measurements.