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

 

 

Remember

• 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)

 

Example \(\PageIndex{1}\)

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

Example \(\PageIndex{2}\)

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 10³ millimeters

Example \(\PageIndex{3}\)

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