1.3 Metric Conversions

Notes

The metric system is based on powers of 10, so you convert by moving the decimal point.

• Prefixes: kilo- (k) = 1,000; centi- (c) = 0.01; milli- (m) = 0.001.
• Larger unit to smaller unit: multiply. Smaller unit to larger unit: divide.
• Use a conversion factor so the units cancel: $\displaystyle 3 \text{ km} \times \frac{1000 \text{ m}}{1 \text{ km}} = 3000 \text{ m}$.
• Useful facts: 1 m = 100 cm, 1 g = 1000 mg, 1 L = 1000 mL.