Chapter 10 Math 291
object subjected to the force of gravity. Scientists consider
mass and weight the same within the gravitational fi eld of
Earth. In the English system, weight is measured in ounces
and pounds.
The liter is the basic metric measurement of liquid vol-
ume. In the English system, volume is measured in cups,
pints, quarts, and gallons.
The meter is the metric unit for linear measurement
(length). It is slightly longer than the English yard. Inches,
feet, and miles are other English units of measurement for
length.
Metric Prefi xes
To properly use the metric system as a healthcare pro-
fessional, you will need to recognize a variety of metric
prefi xes. These prefi xes are added to the front of one of the basic units
(meters, grams, liters) to indicate the size of a particular metric unit. Figure
10.17 lists the metric prefi xes, the related multiple of 10, and an example.
Converting Measurements
In addition to scientifi c use, the metric system is being used in indus-
try, governmental agencies, education, and many other important areas in
the United States. Being able to convert a measurement from one type to
another is a very useful skill to master. As a healthcare professional, you
Basic Metric Measurements
Metric
System
Measures English
System
gram (g) weight or
mass
ounces and
pounds
liter (l) volume cups, pints, quarts,
and gallons
meter (m) length inches, feet,
yards, miles
Figure 10.16 Basic measurements as repre-
sented in the metric and English measurement
systems
Metric Prefi xes
Prefi x Multiple Example
nano- 1/1,000,000,000 1 nanometer=1/1,000,000,000 of a meter
micro- 1/1,000,000 1 microliter=1/1,000,000 of a liter
milli- 1/1,000 1 millimeter = 1/1,000 of a meter
centi- 1/100 1 centiliter = 1/100 of a liter
deci- 1/10 1 decimeter = 1/10 of a meter
deca- 10 1 decagram = 10 grams
hecto- 100 1 hectometer = 100 meters
kilo- 1,000 1 kilogram = 1,000 grams
mega- 1,000,000 1 megameter = 1,000,000 meters
giga- 1,000,000,000 1 gigameter = 1,000,000,000 meters
Figure 10.17 Metric prefi xes