Metric Conversions Ladder Method

1. Metric Conversions Ladder Method Adapted from a presentation from: T. Trimpe 2008 http://sciencespot.net/

2. Science Measurements We Commonly Use in Biotech • Liters for Liquids abbreviated with L • Grams for Mass abbreviated with g

3. 1 2 3 LitersGrams How do you use the “ladder” method? 1st – Determine your starting point. 2nd – Count the “jumps” to your ending point. 3rd – Move the decimal the same number of jumps in the same direction. Starting Point Ending Point __. __. __. 3 2 1 Ladder Method KILO1000Units HECTO100Units DEKA10Units DECI0.1Unit CENTI0.01Unit MILLI0.001Unit MILLI0.001Unit MICRO0.0001Unit 4 kg = _________ g How many jumps does it take? 4. = 4000 L

4. Compare using <, >, or =. 56 mL 6 L 7 g 698 mg Conversion Practice MICRO0.001Unit Try these conversions using the ladder method. 1000 mg = _______ g 1 L = _______ mL 160 cm = _______ mm 14 kL = _______ m L 109 g = _______ kg 250 L = _______ kL

5. Metric Conversion Challenge Write the correct abbreviation for each metric unit. 1) Kilogram _____ 4) Milliliter _____ 7) Kiloliter _____ 2) liter _____ 5) Milligram _____ 8) Gram _____ 3) Microgram _____ 6)Microliter _____ Try these conversions, using the ladder method. 10) 2000 mg = _______ g 15) 5 L = _______ mL 20) 16 uL = _______ mL 11) 104 kL = _______ L 16) 198 g = _______ kg 21) 2500 g = _______ kg 12) 480 ug = _____ g 17) 75 mL = _____ L 22) 65 g = _____ mg 13) 5.6 kg = _____ g 18) 50 uL = _____ L 23) 6.3 ug = _____ mg 14) 8 mL = _____ uL 19) 5.6 g = _____ ug 24) 120 mg = _____ g