This math skill teaches how to convert metric units from a larger prefixed form (such as hecto) to the base unit (e.g., liters). The process involves understanding the meaning of metric prefixes and how they relate to the base unit through powers of ten.
Converting from larger metric units to base
Test your understanding of converting from larger metric units to base by practicing it! Work through the below exercises to use it in practice.
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Let's convert 75 hectoliters into liters. Once you know how to work with metric prefices on one type of measurement, like liters for volume, you can use them on any metric unit like meters, or grams.
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First we look at the prefix on each unit. We are converting from hecto to liters, which is the base unit. Hecto means 100, and since liters is the base unit, there is no power of ten that we need to think of there.
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So 75 milligrams is 7500 liters. It's quite simple once you are comfortable with all the prefices in the metric system.