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Everyday maths 1 (Northern Ireland)
Everyday maths 1 (Northern Ireland)

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3.3 Converting metric units of weight

There are occasions where you may have to convert between metric units of weight. Figure 30 shows you how to do this. In this section, we are only going to practise converting between grams (g) and kilograms (kg).

Hint: Weight is sometimes referred to as mass.

Described image
Figure 30 A conversion chart for weight

Example: Converting units of weight

  1. Convert the following from kilograms into grams:
    • a.4 kg = ? g
    • b.6.5 kg = ? g
  2. Convert the following from grams into kilograms:
    • a.8 000 g = ? kg
    • b.1 250 g = ? kg

Method

  1. As you can see from Figure 30, to convert from kilograms (kg) to grams (g) you need to multiply by 1 000:
    • a.4 kg × 1 000 = 4 000 g
    • b.6.5 kg × 1 000 = 6 500 g
  2. If you want to convert from grams (g) to kilograms (kg) you need to divide by 1 000:
    • a.8 000 g ÷ 1 000 = 8 kg
    • b.1 250 g ÷ 1 000 = 1.25 kg

Now try the following activity.

Activity 14: Converting metric units of weight

Calculate the following without using a calculator. You may wish to look back at Session 1 to remind you how to multiply [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] and divide by 1 000.

You may double-check your answer with a calculator if you need to. Remember to check your answers.

  1. Convert the following to kilograms:
    • a.3 000 g
    • b.9 500 g
    • c.750 g
    • d.10 000 g
  2. Convert the following to grams:
    • a.4 kg
    • b.1.5 kg
    • c.7.6 kg
    • d.2.25 kg

Answer

  1. The answers are as follows:
    • a.3 000 g ÷ 1 000 = 3 kg
    • b.9 500 g ÷ 1 000 = 9.5 kg
    • c.750 g ÷ 1 000 = 0.75 kg
    • d.10 000 g ÷ 1 000 = 10 kg
  2. The answers are as follows:
    • a.4 kg × 1 000 = 4 000 g
    • b.1.5 kg × 1 000 = 1 500 g
    • c.7.6 kg × 1 000 = 7 600 g
    • d.2.25 kg × 1 000 = 2 250 g