Grade 4

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Converting Units of Length


Length is a measurement used to describe the magnitude of objects. It helps us understand how long, high, or far away objects are from each other. In grade 4 math, converting units of length is an essential skill. This is where we learn to convert measurements from one unit to another. This process helps us understand sizes correctly whether we are measuring a pencil, a table, or the distance between two cities.

Understanding units of length

First, let's understand some basic units of length that we use everyday:

  • Millimetre (mm) - This is a very small unit of length. We use it for small objects, like the thickness of a coin.
  • Centimeter (cm) - One centimeter is equal to 10 millimeters. This unit is used for small objects, such as the length of a pencil.
  • Meter (m) - One meter is 100 centimetres or 1000 millimetres. We use meters to measure room dimensions or medium-sized objects.
  • Kilometer (km) - A kilometer is 1000 meters. It is used for long distances, such as the distance between two places.

Visual model of units of length

0 mm 1 cm 1 m 1 Km

Why convert units?

Why do we need to convert units? Because it is easier to understand measurements in the form we are most familiar with. For example, if we measure something in meters but we need the answer in centimeters, we need to convert that measurement so that everyone can understand it easily.

Steps to convert units of length

Follow these easy steps to convert units of length:

  1. Identify the units you currently have, and the units you need to convert.
  2. Learn the conversion factors between these units.
  3. Use multiplication or division to convert your units.

Conversion factors

To convert units, it is important to know the conversion factors. Here are some basic conversion factors for length:

  • 1 centimeter = 10 millimeters
  • 1 meter = 100 centimeters
  • 1 kilometer = 1000 meters

For example, if you have a measurement in meters and you want to convert it to centimeters, you need to multiply the number of meters by 100 because there are 100 centimeters in one meter.

Here's a mathematical expression:

number of meters x 100 = number of centimeters

Examples of converting units of length

Example 1: Convert 5 meters to centimeters

We know that 1 meter = 100 centimeters.

So to convert 5 meters into centimeters, you multiply 5 by 100.

5 meters x 100 = 500 centimeters

Hence, 5 meters is equal to 500 centimeters.

Example 2: Convert 1200 centimeters to meters

We know that 1 meter = 100 centimeters.

To find out how many meters are there in 1200 centimeters, divide 1200 by 100.

1200 centimeters ÷ 100 = 12 meters

Hence 1200 cm is equal to 12 meters.

Visual example of conversion

5 meters 500 centimeters

Example 3: Convert 3 kilometers to meters

We know that 1 kilometer = 1000 meters.

So, to convert 3 kilometers to meters, multiply 3 by 1000.

3 kilometers x 1000 = 3000 meters

Hence 3 kilometers is equal to 3000 meters.

Visual example of large conversion

3 Km 3000 m

Practice problems

Let's do some exercises to get better at converting units of length. Try solving these problems yourself.

  1. Convert 145 Centimeters to Meters.
  2. Convert 2500 Millimeters to Centimeters.
  3. Convert 7 kilometers to meters.
  4. Convert 98 Meters to Centimeters.

Solving practice problems

  1. 145 cm ÷ 100 = 1.45 m
  2. 2500 millimeters ÷ 10 = 250 centimeters
  3. 7 kilometers x 1000 = 7000 meters
  4. 98 meters x 100 = 9800 centimeters

Conclusion

Converting units of length is an important skill that helps us understand various measurements in our daily lives. It helps make measurements more understandable and is an important part of many activities, from construction projects to cooking. With practice, you will find it easy and useful to convert lengths between millimeters, centimeters, meters, and kilometers.

Remember these steps: Always figure out what unit you have and what unit you want to convert it to, then figure out the conversion factor, and use multiplication or division to make the conversion.

Practice regularly with different examples and you'll become an expert in no time!


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