Bell Ringer

Identify the correct measurement for each below.

1. The triple beam balance
2. The thermometer (oC) 2.
3.
3. The graduated cylinder

1.
 Metric Conversion Factors

We can write conversion factors for any metric

relationship.
Both conversion factors represent the same quantity;
one is just the inverse of the other.

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 Learning Check

Write conversion factors for each pair of units:

A. liters and milliliters

B. meters and kilometers

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 Solution

Write conversion factors for each pair of

units:
A. liters and milliliters (1 L = 1000 mL)

B. meters and kilometers (1 km = 1000 m)

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 Setting up the Problem

Suppose you need to convert 18.2 mm to meters.

• First, identify the given and needed units.
Given: 18.2 m Need: meters
• Write a plan that will convert the given unit to the needed unit.

millimeter Conversion meters

Given factor Need

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 Setting up the Problem
• Look for the connection between millimeters and
meters.
1 m = 1000 mm
• From this equality, we can write two conversion
factors.

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 Setting up the Problem

• Select the conversion factor that cancels the given unit, which is the
millimeter.
• Complete the calculation and round off to the needed significant
figures.

millimeters conversion factor meters

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 Learning Check

• How many minutes are in 2.5 h?

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 Solution

How many minutes are in 2.5 h?

Step 1 State the given and needed quantities.
Given: 2.5 h Need: minutes
Step 2 Write a plan to convert the given
unit to the needed unit.

hours Conversion factor minutes

Given Need

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 Solution

How many minutes are in 2.5 h?

Step 3 State the equalities and conversion
factors.
1 h = 60 min
Step 4 Set up the problem to cancel units
and calculate.

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 Sample Problem

How many minutes are in 1.4 days?

Step 1 Given 1.4 days Need minutes
Step 2 Plan days  hours  minutes
Step 3 Equalities 1 day = 24 h 1 h = 60 min
Conversion Factors

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 Sample Problem

How many minutes are in 1.4 days?

Step 4 Set up problem, cancel units.

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The Ladder Method

K
h
dk
Meter (m)
Liter (L) d
Gram (g)
c
m
Sample problem
• How many kilometers (km) are in 5,632 cm?
Sample problem
• How many milligrams (mg) are in 3.2 dkg?
Online tutorial
Sample Problem
• On a metric test, Erica mistakenly computed an
answer as being 0.048 kl. The answer should
have been written in mL. How many milliliters
are in 0.048 kiloliters?
Practice Problems
1. 55 km = _____ m
2. 105 cg = ______ kg
3. 1 mL = _______ dkL
4. 4.9 dm = _______ cm
5. 3.21 hm = _______ mm
6. 4.6752 dg = ______ dkg
Practice Problems
1. 55 km = __55,000___ m
2. 105 cg = ___0.00105___ kg
3. 1 mL = ___0.0001____ dkL
4. 4.9 dm = ____49___ cm
5. 3.21 hm = ____321,000___ mm
6. 4.6752 dg = ___0.046752___ dkg
Conversions Mini Lab
• Get out a sheet of paper and a pencil.