Mathematics
Grade 3
15 min
Compare and convert metric units
Compare and convert metric units
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the relationship between common metric units of length (mm, cm, m) and mass (g, kg).
Explain why division is used to convert a smaller metric unit to a larger metric unit.
Use division to convert centimeters (cm) to meters (m).
Use division to convert millimeters (mm) to centimeters (cm).
Use division to convert grams (g) to kilograms (kg).
Compare two measurements by converting them to the same unit.
Have you ever wondered how many classroom rulers it would take to measure the length of a real whale? 📏🐋 Let's find out how division can help us with big measurements!
In this lesson, we will learn how to change, or convert, smaller metric units like centimeters into larger ones like meters. We will discover a special secret: converting to a...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Metric UnitA standard way to measure things, like length, weight, or volume. Examples include meters, grams, and liters.A centimeter (cm) is a metric unit we use to measure small lengths, like the width of your finger.
ConvertTo change a measurement from one unit to another without changing its actual size or value.Converting 100 centimeters is the same as saying 1 meter. The length is the same, but the unit is different.
Centimeter (cm)A small metric unit for measuring length. There are 100 centimeters in 1 meter.A standard school ruler is often 30 centimeters long.
Meter (m)A larger metric unit for measuring length, equal to 100 centimeters.The height of a classroom door is about 2 meters.
Gram (g)A small metric unit for measuring mass or weight. There are 1000 gra...
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Core Formulas
Converting Centimeters to Meters
Number of meters = Number of centimeters \div 100
To change a measurement from centimeters to meters, you divide by 100. This is because you are making groups of 100 centimeters to see how many meters you have.
Converting Millimeters to Centimeters
Number of centimeters = Number of millimeters \div 10
To change a measurement from millimeters to centimeters, you divide by 10. This is because you are making groups of 10 millimeters to see how many centimeters you have.
Converting Grams to Kilograms
Number of kilograms = Number of grams \div 1000
To change a measurement from grams to kilograms, you divide by 1000. This is because you are making groups of 1000 grams to see how many kilograms you have.
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
A rectangular garden has a perimeter of 6 meters. The entire perimeter is divided into 30-centimeter sections to plant flowers. How many sections are there?
A.10 sections
B.20 sections
C.30 sections
D.60 sections
Challenging
A large bottle contains 2 liters of juice. Five cups, each holding 100 milliliters, are poured out. The remaining juice is then divided equally into 5 glasses. How much juice is in each glass?
A.200 mL
B.250 mL
C.300 mL
D.400 mL
Challenging
A balancing scale has a 1-kilogram weight on one side. The other side has one 200-gram weight and several 50-gram weights. How many 50-gram weights are needed to balance the scale?
A.16
B.12
C.18
D.20
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