Prefixes in the Metric System

Some Prefixes in the Metric System

Prefix	Symbol	Multiplication Factor
kilo hecto  deka (deca) base unit deci centi milli	k h dk - d c m	1,000 100 10 1 0.1 0.01 0.001

  

The prefixes above shall help in the conversion of units.

Guidelines to be observed in writing metric measurements:

1. When the name of units are written in full, they usually start with a lower case letter.(The modifier in degree Celsius is capitalized because it is derived from the Swedish astronomer, Andre Celsius). Unit symbols are also written in this manner. The symbol for liter (L) is also capitalized. 

2. The name of units are made plural; when appropriate however, do not add s to the symbol to indicate a plural unit.

3. A period is not used after a symbol except at the end of a sentence.

4. A zero must be written before the decimal point of numbers less than 1.

5. Digits are shown in groups of threes (counting from the decimal point). A comma is not used, rather a space is left between the groups. 



(source: Benigno, Gloria D. (2006). Basic Mathematics for College Students. Philippines

Metric System

Metric System

The English system of measurement: Basically, this was refined and standardized by the English though it was first proposed in France in the year 1670. 

The metric system is recognized as a legal system of measurement since 1866 in the United States. However, in 1975, the International Metric System was declared in the US as the official measurement.

Metric system has been established as the International System of measures. As compared to the English system, this is more convenient because of the use of prefixes related to the decimal place value position. 

To understand the metric system and the international system of units, below are videos and links that you can view:

mass

 

the metre and time

For readings:

Commonly used metric system units or http://lamar.colostate.edu/~hillger/common.html

Metric system of measurement  or http://www.mathsisfun.com/measure/metric-system.html

the metric and scientific notation or http://www.visionlearning.com/en/library/General-Science/3/The-Metric-System/47

 

Standardization of Measurements

Standardization of Measurements

The world had different civilizations. This imply different units of measurement, different means,different tools and different terms. However, since inter-civilization happened and is still happening, things were reconsidered. One of which is the measurement. In trade for example, a certain community could not successfully trade with other community of different civilization if there exists no standard measurement. There would be no clear understanding of the unit to be used or of the quantity per price. Thus, standardization of measurement is very important. To have an overview of how it happened, watch the following videos. 

 

Introduction and overview of the commonly used units of measurements

Introduction and Overview of the Commonly Used Units of Measurements

Usually, we don't see measurements as important things. Yet unknowingly, we use them everyday. We resort to them when we deal with cooking, baking, mixing and the stuff. When we are estimating the quantity of salt to be added on the soup, we are applying concept on measurement. When we take the ratio of baking powder to flour, measurement is still applied. Like in restaurant services, when we consider distances of hotels, we are using units and measurements. 

Below is a song that summarizes the units which are commonly used.  Just click on the link.

Measurement on summary

History of Measurements

History of Measurements

Just like any other thing, the concept of measurement didn't just come out from nothingness. Due to its demand and its importance, people in the ancient times devised units and tools for measurement. 

Before, people started counting and measuring. These are evident when they deal with number of people, population of the community, crop production, area of the land they own, supply for the year and other livelihood aspects, military areas and even in governance of certain communities. That's when measurement started. When the question "how much" is thrown, measurement is already being applied when the answer is given. Measurement is usually used even before when we deal with continuous quantity.

 body parts

Since there were no readily available tools for measuring, body parts such as hands, arms, and feet are used in an attempt to express the measure of a certain thing, object or the like. 

For further readings, you can visit the following sites:

http://nrich.maths.org/2434

http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/plaintexthistories.asp?historyid=ac07

http://www.bipm.org/en/convention/wmd/2004/history.html

 

Aim of the blog

This blog is specifically designed for Diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Services and Diploma in Culinary Arts. It contains topics and discussions relevant to the said courses. Thus, measurements shall focus on measures that are usually used in restaurant industries and culinary field.