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Teaching mathematics
Teaching mathematics

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1.3 The metric system

The metric system is based on grams (g), litres (l) and metres (m).

The prefixes always mean the same. The common prefixes are as follows.

Kilo 1000

  • 1 kg = 1000 g
  • 1 km = 1000 m

Centi 1/100

  • 1 cm = 1/100 metre
  • 100 cm = 1 metre

Milli 1/1000

  • 1 mm = 1/1000 m
  • 1000 mm = 1 m
  • 1 millilitre = 1/1000 litre
  • 1000 ml = 1 litre

Water connects all three measures!

  • 1 cm × 1 cm × 1 cm = 1 cubic centimetre (cm3) and it holds 1 ml of water which weighs 1 gram (g).
  • 10 cm × 10 cm × 10 cm = 1000 cubic centimetres and it holds 1 litre of water weighing 1 kg.