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Introducing the metric system

Can you define what the metric system is?

Simply put, the metric system measures distance, volume (capacity) and mass based on the decimal systems and using powers of 10. The base units of the metric system are as follows:

• Distance: metres (m)
• Volume: litres (l)
• Mass: grams (g)
  
  

However, for very large, or small measurements, there are larger or smaller units of measure which are derived from the base units. We will cover more on this shortly!

Did you know?

The metric system is used world-wide with the exception of three countries! Can you identify the three countries by their flags below?

The USA, Liberia and Myanmar are the only countries not to use the metric system of measurement. They make use of the imperial system. Countries like the United Kingdom and Canada use both the metric and imperial systems.

The image below reflects the different units of measure used in the metric and imperial systems respectively.

Watch the video below which introduces the metric system and provides a bit of its historical background. It then discusses the base units, as well as introducing the basis for converting between the unit sizes.

SimpleShow Foundation. (2016). Metric system - simply explained (CC BY-SA)

Test your understanding of what has been covered so far by answering the questions in the short quiz below!