metric+conversions

Converting from one unit prefix to another in the metric system involves the use of what is called **factor label**, or conversion factors.

A conversion factor is just a fraction involving units and their relationship (in powers of ten for metric units). Here are a few hints for setting up a conversion factor:
 * 1) Identify the measurement to be converted, and write its value and unit as a fraction over 1.
 * 2) Set up the conversion factor fraction:
 * the 'target' unit, the one you are converting to, goes in the numerator;
 * the 'previous' unit, the one you started with, goes in the denominator.
 * 1) Identify the unit in the conversion factor that is larger in size, and give it the 1.
 * 2) Find the relationship between the two units in the conversion factor, and give it to the smaller unit.
 * 3) Multiply across the two fractions, then divide the results, and you have your answer.

If one of the units in the problem is a base unit, then the problem will only involve one conversion factor.

If the problem does not involve a base unit - in other words both the starting unit and the target unit have prefixes, there is one extra conversion to do.

Try the [|online unit converter]!

Practice with this worksheet: