Metric Prefixes and Converting Between Them

Introduction

• Metric prefixes are shorthand for representing specific amounts of a base unit (e.g., gram, meter, liter).
• Each prefix represents a power of 10.
• Prefixes make it easier to express large or small quantities of a unit.

Key Concepts

• Prefixes range from kilo (10^3) to centi (10^-2).
• Abbreviations: kg (kilogram), cm (centimeter), mL (milliliter).
• Kilogram is 10^3 grams or 1000 grams.
• Centimeter is 10^-2 meters or 0.01 meters.

Converting Between Metrics

• The chart mentioned lays out prefixes, their symbols, and the exponent of 10 they represent.
• Conversions follow two simple rules:
  1. Subtract exponents to determine the number of places to move the decimal point.
  2. Move the decimal point right for larger units to smaller units and left for smaller units to larger units.

Examples

1. 0.150 meters to centimeters: (0 - (-2) = 2). Move decimal two places right to get 15.0 centimeters.
2. 0.150 kilometers to centimeters: (3 - (-2) = 5). Move decimal five places right to get 15,000 centimeters.
3. 384.0 milligrams to decigrams: (-1 - (-3) = 2). Move decimal two places left to get units in decigrams.
4. Base unit (LITER) to mega: (0 - 6 = -6). Move decimal six places left. Add zeros and a leading zero before the decimal if necessary.

Practical Tips

• Use abbreviations to efficiently express quantities.
• Refer to the chart for quick conversion reference.
• Moving the decimal point is based on the difference in exponent values between prefixes.
• Fill in any blanks with zeros when moving the decimal point.