Metric Prefixes for Mass
Metric prefixes for mass is a Grade 5 math skill in enVision Mathematics, Chapter 12: Convert Measurements. Students learn that the base unit for mass is the gram (g), kilo- means 1,000 times the base unit (1 kg = 1,000 g), and milli- means 1/1,000 of the base unit (1 mg = 0.001 g). Understanding metric prefixes enables quick conversion between units of mass.
Key Concepts
Metric prefixes describe a power of 10 relationship with a base unit. For mass, the base unit is the gram (g). kilo (k) means 1,000 times the base unit. milli (m) means $\frac{1}{1,000}$ of the base unit.
Common Questions
What are the metric prefixes for mass in Grade 5?
The main prefixes are kilo- (1,000 grams = 1 kilogram) and milli- (1 milligram = 0.001 grams). The base unit is the gram (g).
How many grams are in 1 kilogram?
There are 1,000 grams in 1 kilogram. To convert kg to g, multiply by 1,000.
How many milligrams are in 1 gram?
There are 1,000 milligrams in 1 gram. To convert g to mg, multiply by 1,000.
Where are metric prefixes for mass taught in enVision Grade 5?
Chapter 12: Convert Measurements in enVision Mathematics, Grade 5.
Why do metric prefixes make conversions easier?
All metric prefixes represent powers of 10, so you simply multiply or divide by 10, 100, or 1,000 rather than memorizing different conversion factors.