Metric units use powers of ten. 1 km = 1000 m, 1 m = 100 cm, 1 kg = 1000 g and 1 L = 1000 mL. To change to a smaller unit, multiply. To change to a bigger unit, divide.
Conversions often give decimals. 2.5 kg = 2.5 × 1000 = 2 500 g. 450 cm = 450 ÷ 100 = 4.5 m. Converting is useful when two measurements in a problem use different units: change them to the same unit first.
Worked example
3.75 L = how many mL?
- 1 L = 1000 mL, and liters are bigger, so multiply.
- 3.75 × 1000 = 3 750.
Answer:3 750 mL
Key words
- convert
- change to another unit
- kilometer (km)
- 1000 meters
- milliliter (mL)
- one thousandth of a liter
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: 5.MD.A.1