Mathematics Essentials Q1

Convert Metric Units of Length, Mass and Capacity

This section combines a couple of different skills that we have already learned. We have learned all about metrics and about how to convert metric units of length, mass and capacity. We have also learned how to multiply decimals using powers of ten such as 10, 100, 1000. How can we put these two skills together?

We can put them together by converting metric units using powers of ten. This will require us to move the decimal point as we did in earlier lessons.

Example

Convert 150 cm into mm by multiplying by a power of ten. We know that there are 10 mm in 1 cm. When we go from a larger unit to a smaller unit we multiply. Therefore, we are going to multiply 150 cm by 10.

150 cm 10 _____ mm

We know that when we multiply by 10 we move the decimal point one place to the right. The decimal point in a whole number is after the number. So we need to add a zero placeholder to 150.

150 cm = 1500 mm

We can do this when we convert from a smaller unit to a larger unit too. Let’s look at this one involving capacity.

Example

1250 milliliters = _____ L

We know that there are 1000 milliliters in one liter. We need to divide 1250 milliliters by 1000. To do this, we will move the decimal point three places to the left. The decimal point is after the number in a whole number.

1250 milliliters = 1.25 Liters

We can complete this with any unit of measure as long as we know the conversion equivalents and remember how to use powers of ten to move the decimal point to the left or to the right