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EE.3 Convert and compare metric units of volume

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What are metric units of volume

Volume is the amount of space that a substance or object occupies. In the metric system, we measure volume using liters and milliliters.

Examples:
  • A water bottle might hold 500 milliliters (mL)
  • A large juice container might hold 2 liters (L)
  • A medicine dropper might hold 5 milliliters
Note

Think of volume as how much "space" a liquid takes up in a container. The metric system makes volume conversions simple because it's based on units of 10.

Understanding liters and milliliters

The basic units of volume in the metric system are liters (L) and milliliters (mL). One liter equals 1,000 milliliters.

Key Relationship:
  • 1 liter = 1,000 milliliters
  • 1 L = 1,000 mL
  • This means there are 1,000 smaller milliliters in every liter
Note

Remember that "milli-" means one-thousandth. So a milliliter is one-thousandth of a liter, just like a millimeter is one-thousandth of a meter.

Converting between liters and milliliters

To convert between liters and milliliters, multiply or divide by 1,000.

Conversion Steps:
  • Liters to milliliters: Multiply by 1,000
  • Example: 3 L = 3 × 1,000 = 3,000 mL
  • Milliliters to liters: Divide by 1,000
  • Example: 2,500 mL = 2,500 ÷ 1,000 = 2.5 L
Note

When converting from liters to milliliters, your number gets larger. When converting from milliliters to liters, your number gets smaller.

Comparing different volumes

To compare volumes, convert them to the same unit first, then determine which is larger, smaller, or if they are equal.

Comparison Examples:
  • Which is larger: 1.5 L or 1,200 mL?
  • Convert 1.5 L to mL: 1.5 × 1,000 = 1,500 mL
  • Compare: 1,500 mL > 1,200 mL, so 1.5 L is larger
  • Are these equal: 3,000 mL and 3 L?
  • Convert 3 L to mL: 3 × 1,000 = 3,000 mL → Yes, they are equal
Note

Always convert to the same unit before comparing. Choose the unit that makes the comparison easiest - often the smaller unit (milliliters) works best.

Solving real world volume problems

We use volume conversions in everyday situations like cooking, shopping, and science experiments.

Real-World Examples:
  • A recipe calls for 1.2 L of milk, but you only have a 250 mL measuring cup. How many cups do you need?
  • Solution: 1.2 L = 1,200 mL; 1,200 ÷ 250 = 4.8 cups
  • At the store, one juice bottle is 750 mL for $1.50, another is 1.25 L for $2.00. Which is the better deal?
  • Solution: Convert 1.25 L to mL = 1,250 mL, then compare price per mL
Note

When solving real problems, always check if your answer makes sense. If you're measuring liquid for a recipe, does your answer seem reasonable for the amount needed?

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