Grade 3 → Measurement → Length ↓
Measuring in Centimeters and Meters
Welcome to the wonderful world of measuring length! Let's learn how we measure the length of objects using two commonly used units in the metric system: centimeters and meters. Understanding these units is important not only in math but also in everyday life. Whether it's determining the length of a pencil or checking the height of a door, knowing how to measure in centimeters and meters will prove useful.
Metric system
The metric system is a system of measurement that is used around the world. It is standard in most countries and helps maintain uniformity in measurements. Within the metric system, we use different units to measure length, mass, and volume. For length, some of the basic units are millimeters, centimeters, meters, and kilometers.
Understanding centimeters and meters
Let's focus on two units of the metric system that are widely used to measure length: the centimeter and the meter.
Centimeter (cm)
A centimeter is a unit of measuring length. It is abbreviated as cm
. A centimeter is one hundredth of a meter. You often use centimeters to measure small objects, such as the width of a book or the length of a pen.
Example: If a pencil is 7 centimeters long, you would write it 7 cm
.
Meter (m)
On the other hand, the meter is a larger unit of length in the metric system and is abbreviated as m
. You use meters to measure larger objects, such as the height of a room or the length of a playground.
Example: If the height of a door is 2 meters, it will be written as 2 m
.
Relation between centimeter and meter
It is very important to understand the relationship between centimeters and meters. This relationship helps you easily convert between these units:
1 meter = 100 centimeters
This means that when you have a length in meters and you want it in centimeters, you multiply it by 100. Conversely, when converting centimeters to meters, you divide it by 100.
Conversion between centimeters and meters
Converting meters to centimeters
To convert a length from meters to centimeters, you multiply it by 100.
Example: Convert 3 meters to centimeters.
3 m × 100 = 300 cm
So, 3 meters
is 300 centimeters
.
Converting centimeters to meters
To convert a length from centimeters to meters, you divide it by 100.
Example: Convert 250 centimeters to meters.
250 cm ÷ 100 = 2.5 m
So, 250 centimeters
is 2.5 meters
.
Visual example
This visual example shows the length of 1 meter which is equal to 100 centimeters. Seeing this can help you understand how long a meter is and how it relates to centimeters.
Practical uses of measuring in centimeters and meters
Let's look at some practical examples of measuring in centimeters and meters.
Measuring small objects - centimeters
When you have small items like a notebook, eraser or toy, measuring them in centimeters is practical and easy. For example:
1. A toy car is 15 cm long.
2. An eraser is 5 cm long.
Measuring large objects - meter
When it comes to larger objects, such as a piece of furniture or the dimensions of a room, the use of meters is more efficient.
1. The width of a door is 0.9 m.
2. The height of the ceiling of a classroom is 3 m.
Activities to practice measurement
Participate in activities to develop understanding and comfort in measuring in centimeters and meters.
Activity 1: Taking measurements around the house
Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the following items in your home:
- The length and width of your desk in centimeters.
- Your height in meters.
Activity 2: Comparing lengths
Choose two different objects in your home and compare their lengths:
- Is the table longer than the chair?
- Which is taller, the lamp or the book shelf?
Conclusion
Measuring in centimeters and meters is essential in our daily lives. Understanding these concepts helps you accurately estimate and determine the length of various objects. By converting objects, looking at them, and measuring them practically, you will be able to use these measurements effectively. Remember, practice makes perfect. Use different occasions in everyday life to measure objects around you, which will strengthen your understanding of measuring length in centimeters and meters.