Accurate measurement is essential in science, ensuring consistent, reproducible results. Since the ASVAB General Science subtest includes measurement-related questions, understanding the metric system and its conversions is crucial.
The Metric System
The metric system, or SI (International System of Units), is the global standard for scientific measurements. Unlike the Imperial system used in the U.S., SI is based on a decimal system using multiples of ten, making calculations easier.
Here are the three basic metric units you need to know:
- Meter (m) – measures length
- Liter (L) – measures volume
- Gram (g) – measures mass
To indicate larger or smaller values, prefixes are added to these base units:
| Prefix | Symbol | Meaning |
| milli- | m | 0.001 (one-thousandth) |
| centi- | c | 0.01 (one-hundredth) |
| deci- | d | 0.1 (one-tenth) |
| deca- | da | 10 |
| hecto- | h | 100 |
| kilo- | k | 1,000 |
| mega- | M | 1,000,000 |
Common Metric Units & Abbreviations
| Length | Liquid Volume | Mass |
| millimeter (mm) | milliliter (mL) | milligram (mg) |
| centimeter (cm) | centiliter (cL) | centigram (cg) |
| meter (m) | liter (L) | gram (g) |
| kilometer (km) | kiloliter (kL) | kilogram (kg) |
Imperial to Metric Conversions
If you’re more familiar with the Imperial system, here are some key conversion formulas:
| Imperial Unit | Conversion Formula | Metric Equivalent |
| Inches | 1 inch = 2.54 cm | Centimeters |
| Feet | 1 foot = 0.3 m | Meters |
| Yards | 1 yard = 0.9 m | Meters |
| Miles | 1 mile = 1.6 km | Kilometers |
| Square Inches | 1 sq. inch = 6.45 sq. cm | Square Centimeters |
| Square Feet | 1 sq. foot = 0.09 sq. m | Square Meters |
| Quarts | 1 quart = 0.94 L | Liters |
| Gallons | 1 gallon = 3.78 L | Liters |
| Ounces | 1 ounce = 28.3 g | Grams |
| Pounds | 1 pound = 0.45 kg | Kilograms |
Final Tip:
Understanding basic metric units and conversions will help you answer measurement-related ASVAB questions quickly and accurately. Practice converting between systems, and remember that metric calculations are simpler due to their base-ten structure.
Making Sense of Latin and Greek Terms
Helpful Tips for Understanding Latin Phrases in Science Terms for the ASVAB 🧠🔬
Many scientific terms in the ASVAB test come from Latin and Greek roots. Understanding these can help you decode unfamiliar words quickly. Here are some tips and common Latin word roots to make it easier!
- Break Down the Word into Prefix, Root, and Suffix
Scientific terms are often built from three parts:
🔹 Prefix – Describes location, number, or time.
🔹 Root Word – The core meaning of the term.
🔹 Suffix – Describes what’s happening or the category (process, condition, etc.).
Example: “Hemoglobin”
- Hemo- = Blood
- -globin = Protein
🔹 Hemoglobin = A protein in blood that carries oxygen.
- Recognize Common Latin Prefixes
Latin prefixes describe numbers, positions, or direction:
| Prefix | Meaning | Example |
| Uni- | One | Unicellular (single-celled) |
| Bi- | Two | Bipedal (two-legged) |
| Tri- | Three | Triceps (muscle with three parts) |
| Quad- | Four | Quadriceps (four-part thigh muscle) |
| Sub- | Under | Subcutaneous (under the skin) |
| Inter- | Between | Intercellular (between cells) |
| Intra- | Within | Intravenous (inside a vein) |
- Understand Latin Root Words in Science
Many biological and medical terms come from Latin root words. Recognizing them helps you figure out meanings without memorizing.
| Root Word | Meaning | Example |
| Aqua | Water | Aquatic (relating to water) |
| Cardio | Heart | Cardiology (study of the heart) |
| Dent/Dont | Teeth | Dentist, Orthodontist |
| Hemo | Blood | Hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying blood protein) |
| Neuro | Nerve | Neurology (study of nerves) |
| Osteo | Bone | Osteoporosis (bone disease) |
- Learn Common Suffixes for Scientific Processes & Conditions
Suffixes describe actions, diseases, or study fields:
| Suffix | Meaning | Example |
| -logy | Study of | Biology (study of life) |
| -itis | Inflammation | Bronchitis (lung inflammation) |
| -ectomy | Removal | Appendectomy (removal of appendix) |
| -scope | Instrument for viewing | Microscope (viewing small objects) |
| -phobia | Fear of | Hydrophobia (fear of water) |
- Use Mnemonics to Remember Latin Terms 📝
Mnemonics are memory tricks that make it easier to remember Latin roots.
🔹 Example:
- Hemo- = Blood → Think “Hemo sounds like ‘Hemorrhage’ (blood loss).”
- Osteo- = Bone → Think “Osteoporosis is a bone disease.”
- Cardio- = Heart → Think “Cardio workouts strengthen the heart.”
- Recognize Latin Phrases Commonly Used in Science
Some entire Latin phrases appear in scientific classification and medicine:
| Latin Phrase | Meaning | Example |
| Homo sapiens | Wise human (our species name) | Scientific name for humans |
| Status quo | The current state | Used in science and politics |
| In vitro | In glass (lab testing outside a living organism) | In vitro fertilization (IVF) |
| In vivo | In life (testing within a living organism) | In vivo experiments |
- Practice Using Latin Root Words in ASVAB Science Questions
Try to decode unfamiliar words during practice tests:
🔹 Question Example:
“Which system does ‘gastrointestinal’ relate to?”
- Gastro- = Stomach
- Intestinal = Intestines
✅ Answer: Digestive System
Final Takeaways:
✅ Break down words into prefix, root, and suffix to guess meanings.
✅ Learn common Latin prefixes & root words to recognize medical and scientific terms.
✅ Use mnemonics & practice with ASVAB-style questions for better retention.