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Step-by-Step Metric System Conversions

The metric system is a system of measurements whose origin dates back to seventeenth century France. This system bases its measurements on the number 10 and is also referred to as the International System of Units. The U.S. uses a system of measurements that is generally referred to as the "American Measurement System." Since the metric system is so commonly used around the world. you may have to perform conversions between the American system and the metric system.

Conversion factors
Calculator

Instructions

- 1
  Write down the measurement that you wish to convert.
- 2
  Multiply this measurement times the necessary conversion factor. The conversion factor depends on which type of measurement you are converting. For example, if you are converting from inches to centimeters, you would multiply the number of inches by 2.54 to find the equivalent in centimeters. You can find conversion factors on metric-American conversion charts.
- 3
  Label your answer with the appropriate measurement name. For example, if you want to know how many miles are equal to 3 kilometers, you would multiply 3 times the conversion factor of 0.6214 to get 1.8642. You would then label your answer as "1.8642 miles."

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