METRIC CONVERSION

How to convert within the metric system

© Copyright 2003 - 2004.  M. J. Krech. All rights reserved.

The Metric System

is based on sets of 10.

1 x 10 = 10

10 X 10 = 100

10 x 100 = 1,000

Is used by scientists all over the world!

The Metric System

Do you remember…

King

Henry?

The pneumonic:

King Henry Died Unexpectedly

Drinking Chocolate Milk

Memorize      this!

You must also know…

…how to convert within the Metric System. Here’s a good device:

​

On your paper draw a line and add 7 tick marks:

Next:

Above the tick marks write the abbreviations for the King Henry pneumonic:

k h d u d c m

Write the units in the middle under the “U”.

m

l

g

Let’s add the meter line:

k h d u d c m

km hm dam m dm cm mm

L

g

Let’s add the liter line:

k h d u d c m

km hm dam m dm cm mm

kL hL daL L dL cL mL

g

​

Deca can also be dk or da

Let’s add the gram line:

k h d u d c m

km hm dam m dm cm mm

kl hl dal l dl cl ml

kg hg dag g dg cg mg

How to use this device:

• Look at the problem. Look at the unit

that has a number. On the device put

your pencil on that unit.

​

• Move to new unit, counting jumps and noticing the direction of the jump.

​

3. Move decimal in original number the same # of spaces and in the same direction.

Example #1:

• Look at the problem. 56 cm = _____ mm

​

Look at the unit that has a number. 56 cm

On the device put your pencil on that unit.

k h d u d c m

km hm dam m dm cm mm

Example #1:

k h d u d c m

km hm dam m dm cm mm

• Move to new unit, counting jumps and

noticing the direction of the jump!

One jump to the right!

Example #1:

• Move decimal in original number the same # of spaces and in the same direction.

​

56 cm = _____ mm

​

56.0.

Move decimal one jump to the right.

Add a zero as a placeholder.

One jump

to the right!

Example #1:

56 cm = _____ mm

​

56cm = 560 mm

Example #2:

• Look at the problem. 7.25 L = ____ kL

Look at the unit that has a number. 7.25 L

On the device put your pencil on that unit.

k h d u d c m

kl hl dal L dl cl ml

Example #2:

• Move to new unit, counting jumps and

noticing the direction of the jump!

k h d u d c m

kl hl dal L dl cl ml

Three jumps to the left!

Example #2:

(3) Move decimal in original number

the same # of spaces and in the same direction.

7.25 L = ____ kL

.007.25

Move decimal to the left three jumps.

Add two zeros as placeholders.

Three jumps

to the left!

Example #2:

7.25 L = ____ kL

​

7.25 L = .00725 kL

Example #3:

Try this problem on your own:

45,000 g = ____mg

k h d u d c m

kg hg dag g dg cg mg

Example #3:

k h d u d c m

kg hg dag g dg cg mg

Three jumps to the right!

45,000.000.

Example #3:

45,000 g = 45,000,000 mg

Three jumps to the right!

Example #4:

Try this problem on your own:

5 cm = ____ km

k h d u d c m

km hm dam m dm cm mm

Example #4:

k h d u d c m

km hm dam m dm cm mm

Five jumps to the left!

.00005.

Example #4:

5 cm = .00005 km

Five jumps to the left!

Examples #5-9:

Solve these five problems on your own. Show your answers to your teacher.

You may choose to use the King Henry Notes.

You may choose the King Henry Staircase.

You may also choose to make a King Henry Slider.

Examples #5-9:

(5) 35 mm = ____ cm

​

(6) 14,443 L = ____ kL

​

(7) 0.00056 kg = ____ g

​

(8)35.4 L = ____ mL

​

(9)16 mm = ____ km

One last caution:

Be careful NOT

to count the spot you start from, where you put your pencil point.

Only count

the jumps!

The End

You may choose to ask

your teacher for a copy of :

​

(1) King Henry Notes or

(2) King Henry Staircase or

(3) King Henry Slider.