Metric Conversion (Advanced)

View the post "Metric Conversion (Basic)" before reading this post in order to look at the basic concepts. In this lesson we look at how to convert non-linear measurements (i.e. square, cubic, etc). To convert these units follow the steps below

e.g. Convert 28 m² to cm²

Step 1: Subtract the respective levels
metre = 4 and centimetre = 2
=> 4 - 2 = 2

Step 2: Multiply your answer from step 1 by the power to which the unit is raised
=> 2 * 2 = 4

Step 3: Determine the multiple of ten (10) to be used
Since the answer from step 2 is 4 then write 4 zeros after 1 to get 10000

Step 4: Determine whether to multiply or divide
Since the answer from step 1 is positive then you multiply
=> 28 m² = 28 * 10000 cm² = 280000 cm²

e.g. Convert 14 cm² to m²
Step 1: Subtract the respective levels
centimetre = 2 and metre = 4
=> 2 - 4 = -2

Step 2: Multiply your answer from step 1 by the power to which the unit is raised
=> -2 * 2 = -4

Step 3: Determine the multiple of ten (10) to be used
Since the answer from step 1 is -4 then write 4 zeros after 1 to get 10000

Step 4: Determine whether to multiply or divide
Since the answer from step 1 is negative then you divide
=> 14 cm² = 14 / 10000 m² = 0.0014 m²

e.g. Convert 26.3 cm² to Dm²

Step 1: Subtract the respective levels
centimetre = 2 and decametre = 5
=> 2 - 5 = -3

Step 2: Multiply your answer from step 1 by the power to which the unit is raised
=> -3 * 2 = -6

Step 3: Determine the multiple of ten (10) to be used
Since the answer from step 1 is -6 then write 6 zeros after 1 to get 1000000

Step 4: Determine whether to multiply or divide
Since the answer from step 1 is negative then you divide
=> 26.3 cm² = 26.3 / 1000000 Dm² = 0.0000263 Dm²

e.g. Convert 0.0000056 km³ to m³

Step 1: Subtract the respective levels
kilometre = 7 and millimetre = 1
=> 7 - 4 = 3

Step 2: Multiply your answer from step 1 by the power to which the unit is raised
=> 3 * 3 = 9

Step 3: Determine the multiple of ten (10) to be used
Since the answer from step 1 is 9 then write 9 zeros after 1 to get 1000000000

Step 4: Determine whether to multiply or divide
Since the answer from step 1 is positive then you multiply
=> 0.056 km³ = 0.0000056 * 1000000000 m³ = 5 600m³