Metric Prefixes: Sample Problems

Try each one on paper first. Only then reveal the solution — reading a worked answer you never attempted teaches you almost nothing.

1. 1. Convert 2.5 km to centimeters.

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2. 2. A wavelength is 450 nm. Express it in meters.

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3. 3. Convert 0.075 g to milligrams.

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Al says…

Say the ladder out loud every morning for a week: kilo, hecto, deka, base, deci, centi, milli. Moving right multiplies by ten; moving left divides by ten.