Page 144 - ICSE Math 4

We use kilograms to weigh heavy objects like bags of cereals, and body weight. It is
denoted by kg.
We use grams to weigh objects of lighter weight like leaf, needle and feather. It is denoted
by g.

We have already learnt how to measure objects using non-standard units. Now let’s learn
to measure weight using standard units.

Look at the given standard weights. You might have seen a vegetable or a fruit vendor
using them.

5
2
kg
50 100 200 500 1 kg kg 10
g g g g kg
These weights are usually made up of iron.
Have you ever wondered how a goldsmith or a jeweller weighs small pieces of jewellery?
They use weights that are smaller than grams. The weights used by them are not made
up of iron.

Conversion of Units of Weight

We know that kilograms and grams are the commonly used measures of weight. We can
convert the units of weight from one form to another in the same way as we convert units

of length.
Kilograms to grams

In the metric system, kilogram (kg) is the unit of weight which is equal to 1,000 g, i.e.,
1 kg = 1,000 g.
 To convert kilograms to grams, we mul ply the number of kilograms by 1,000.

 To convert kilograms and grams to grams, we mul ply the number of kilograms by
1,000 and then add the number of grams to it.
Example 13: Convert the following to grams.
Top Tip
(a) 16 kg (b) 12 kg 8 g
To convert kg into g,
Solu on: (a) 16 kg = 16 × 1,000 g = 16,000 g put three zeros to
the right of the
(b) 12 kg 8 g = (12 × 1,000 g) + 8 g
number.
= 12,000 g + 8 g = 12,008 g

Grams to kilograms

When we convert grams to kilograms or kilograms and grams, the last three digits always

stand for grams and the rest of the digits stand for kilograms.
Example 14: Convert the following to kilograms or kilograms and grams.

(a) 18,000 g (b) 67,380 g
Solu on: (a) 18,000 g = 18 kg (b) 67,380 g = 67 kg 380 g

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