It is not difficult to understand the metric system, if you know the meaning of base units, you know what prefixes refer to and how they are used. This skill is not only useful for studying science and traveling around the world, it is also indispensable in everyday life. The metric system was invented to make measurements simpler and universally valid.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Understanding the Basics
Step 1. Learn how the base units work
In the metric system, each type of measure has a base unit. The most common are:
- Length: meter (m).
- Volume: liter (l).
- Mass: gram (g).
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A simple mnemonic technique for remembering these units is the sentence:
"Maria Lavora Giovedì", in which the first letter of each word represents the basic unit: m ⇒ meter, l ⇒ liter and g ⇒ gram.
Step 2. Know the multiples of ten
The metric system is also decimal, which means that units become larger or smaller in multiples of 10. Smaller measures are fractions of 10, while larger units are multiplied by 10.
- This means that by moving the decimal point within a value, you can change the unit of measurement. For example, if you move the decimal point three places to the right in the number 90, 0 g gives you 90,000 g, which is 90 kg.
- When converting a small unit of measurement to a larger one, move the comma to the left and vice versa for the opposite procedure.
Step 3. Learn the common prefixes
The most used are milli-, cent-, dec-, deca-, hecto- and kilo-. In the metric system, you must observe the prefix to know the order of magnitude of the measure, while the base unit informs you of the nature of the measure. For example, if you are measuring mass, the base unit is the gram. If you want to know the order of magnitude, you have to observe the prefix. When using the prefix kilo-, it means that the value is 1000 times larger than the base; one kilogram corresponds to 1000 grams.
Step 4. Use acronyms or other mnemonics to remember the prefix sequence
For example, you can build a sentence with words whose initials are the prefix symbol.
When written in descending order, each prefix indicates that the corresponding unit of measure is 10 times smaller than the one before it and 10 times larger than the one below. This means that if you have a distance of 5 kilometers (km), this corresponds to 50 hectometers = 500 decameters = 5000 meters = 50,000 decimeters = 500,000 centimeters = 5,000,000 millimeters
Step 5. Draw a diagram to help you remember
This way, not only can you memorize the sequence better, but you can understand the relationships between prefixes and base units. Draw a horizontal line; then draws 7 vertical lines that intersect the horizontal one; write the first letter of each prefix (or symbol) above each vertical segment: K, H, DA, U, D, C and M. Under the vertical line corresponding to "U", write the symbol of the most common units of measurement: meter, gram, liter.
- On the diagram, prefixes to the left of the base represent large numbers, while those to the right represent submultiples.
- Each space between the vertical lines to the right or left of the unit represents one decimal order of magnitude. For example, if the base is equal to 6500 meters and you want to convert the value to kilometers, you have to count the lines between "K" and "M"; since there are three spaces, it means that there are three decimals to the left of 6500 meters and the equivalent value is 6.5 km.
Part 2 of 2: Changing the way you think
Step 1. Start thinking metric
If for whatever reason you've always used the British Imperial system of measurement, try using this system every day instead; always start using metric quantities as a reference. Learn how long a centimeter, a meter or how much a gram weighs. In addition to memorizing the base units and prefixes, it is important to use the whole system to reinforce learning.
- A perfect place to practice is the supermarket or grocery store. Look at the goods that are measured in liters or grams; in this way, you understand the quantities that correspond to the units of measure.
- When describing an object, use the metric system; represent the weight in grams, the length in meters and the volume in liters.
- When you cook, measure the ingredients using this measuring system, in order to reinforce learning.
Step 2. Stop converting quantities to non-metric systems
Although in Italy and throughout Europe the metric system is normally adopted to express various quantities, you may be tempted to estimate the doses in spoons, cups or to use regional units such as poles. If you stick to the metric system, you will get several benefits, there will be no complex calculations to convert the various units and you will be sure to be universally understood.
Step 3. Understand the benefits
The metric system is used all over the world. The scientific community uses only the international system which is based precisely on the metric one. By learning the basic rules, you are able to travel to many places and participate in discussions with other people who only use that reference system.
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Unlike the British imperial system, which uses many different terms, such as ounces, cups, pints and quarters, the metric system uses a single term that is easier to remember and use.
Understand the Metric System Step 8 - There are only three countries currently using the British imperial system: Liberia, Myanmar and the United States. By learning to use the metric system, you are able to travel and relate to virtually all peoples of the world.
