1.2: Metric System Prefixes and the Metric Ladder
| Prefix | Fraction | Decimal | Scientific Notation |
| nano (n) = 1 billionth | 1/1,000,000,000 | 0.000000001 | 10 -9 |
| micro () = 1 millionth | 1/1,000,000 | 0.000001 | 10 -6 |
| milli (m) = 1 thousandth | 1/1,000 | 0.001 | 10 –3 |
| centi(c) = 1 hundredth | 1/100 | 0.01 | 10 -2 |
| kilo (k) = 1 thousand | 1000 | 1000 | 10 3 |
- The metric system is based on units of 10. Count zeros. Consult the metric ladder as to how many spaces to move the decimal point.
- Move the decimal left when converting from a smaller to larger value (DIVIDE)
- Move the decimal right when converting from a larger to smaller value (MULTIPLY)
One meter is how many kilometers? The question involves going from a smaller value (meter) to a larger value (kilometer). Move the decimal to the left (divide)
Solution
1.0 meter = .001 kilometers = 1 X 10 -3 kilometers
How many millimeters are in 5 meters? The question involves going from a larger value (meters) to a smaller value (millimeters). Move 3 decimal places to the right (multiply).
Solution
5.0 meters = 5000 millimeters = 5 X 10 3 millimeters
How many liters are in 80 nanoliters? The question involves converting a small value (nanoliters) to a larger value (liters). Move the decimal to the left 9 places
Solution
80. nanoliters = .00000008 liters = 8 X 10 -8 liters