How to convert units using SI prefixes?

Example:      3 cm =  _____ µm

1.   Write the equivalent factor of the prefix which you wanted to convert.

cm = cm which can be written as, cm = 10^-2m

µm = µm which can be written as, µm = 10^-6m

Notice that prefixes centi and micro are replaced with its equivalent factors 10^-2 and 10^-6 respectively.

2.   Use the units and the equivalent factors in your solution. Study and follow the arrangement below.

3 cm x 10^-2m  x _µm_

           1cm      10^-6m

Notice that units 1cm and 10^-6m are written as denominators so that cm and m units can be cancelled.  

         

3.   Multiply all factors in the numerator, 3 cm x 10^-2m  x _µm_, and all factors in the denominator, 1cm  x  10^-6m. 


               cm x 10^-2m  x _µm_   =  0.03 µm

                       1cm      10^-6m          10^-6

4.   Simplify by dividing the numerator and denominator.

0.03 µm = 30 000 µm or 3 x10⁴ µm

   10^-6

^{Prepared by:  Dante C. Arboleda}

                      ^{GSCNHS teacher I}