Metric System

Prefixes you should know and use:

      • tera (T=1012) - you have a computer harddrive this big!

  • giga (G=109)

  • mega (M=106)

  • kilo (k=103)

      • hecto (h=102) as in hectare (100 m x 100 m)

      • deca (da=101) like decade!

  • -- (100) - no prefix!!!

      • deci (d=10-1) like decimate!

    • centi (c=10-2) - but only for distance!

  • milli (m=10-3)

  • micro (µ=10-6)

  • nano (n=10-9)

Usage:

  • with scientific notation, use only the base unit and unit digit with decimals

  • with prefixes, only hundreds, tens and unit digits with decimals are allowed

  • a space after the number, before the unit please!

  • with errors (uncertainties):

    • 9.8 ± 0.5 cm (note: 1 digit on the absolute error in the same position as the last digit of the value)

    • 9.8 cm ± 5.1% (note: 2 digits on the percentage error)

  • with a calculator - there is a Scientific Notation button: [EE], [EXP] or [x10x]. Use It !

    • NEVER use:

      • [10x] ie "2nd" "log",

      • [x][10][yx] ie exponent button [yx] or [^] or [x¤], or

      • any other button which requires you to use brackets with scientific notation. For example 2x103 squared should give you 4,000,000 without using brackets, not two billion

    • you can change the display of the calculator to scientific notation... learn how from your manual. (lost it? search for your calculator model and the word "manual")

Related:

  • Rounding and Significant Figures

    • see science skills expectations chart.