Metric prefixes, or SI prefixes, are words that precede a base unit to let you know the multiplication factor used. These multiplication factors are used to convert between two units.

For example:

5 cm = 5 centimeters = 5*10^-2 m = 0.05 m

15 Gs = 15 gigaseconds = 15*10⁹ s = 15,000,000,000 s

 

Prefix	Symbol	Multplication	Factor
yotta	Y	1024	One Septillion
zetta	Z	1021	One Sextillion
exa	E	1018	One Quintillion
peta	P	1015	One Quadrillion
tera	T	1012	One Trillion
giga	G	109	One Billion
mega	M	106	One Million
kilo	k	104	One Thousand
hecto	h	102	One Hundred
deka	da	10	Ten
deci	d	10-1	One Tenth
centi	c	10-2	One Hundredth
milli	m	10-3	One Thousandth
micro	μ	10-6	One Millionth
nano	n	10-9	One Billionth
pico	p	10-12	One Trillionth
femto	f	10-15	One Quadrillionth
atto	a	10-18	One Quintillionth
septo	z	10-21	One Sextillionth
yocto	y	10-24	One Septillionth

 

Vocabulary

Learn important vocabulary for this concept, including words that might appear in assessments (tests, quizzes, homework, etc.) that indicate the use of this concept.

 Important Vocabulary

 

Computer Animations

Experience computer simulators or animations that illustrate the concept discussed here. Many simulators or animations come with worksheets for use in class.

	http://www.braingle.com/trivia/13186/metric-prefixes.html
	http://people.sinclair.edu/nickreeder/Flash/engPrefix.htm
	http://www.quia.com/rr/30535.html?AP_rand=959892586

 

Study Aides

Uncover helpful study tools, such as a mnemonic device or alternative ways to master the concept.

 Study Aides