Compare and convert metric units of length

key notes :

Metric Units of Length

The metric system is based on powers of 10.

Common units of length:

• Millimeter (mm) – very small units (like thickness of a coin)
• Centimeter (cm) – small units (like the width of a finger)
• Meter (m) – standard unit (like the height of a door)
• Kilometer (km) – used for long distances (like from one town to another)

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📏 Conversions Between Metric Units

• To convert to a smaller unit, multiply.
• To convert to a larger unit, divide.

From → To	Multiply/Divide	Example
1 km = 1,000 m	×1,000	2 km = 2,000 m
1 m = 100 cm	×100	3 m = 300 cm
1 m = 1,000 mm	×1,000	1.5 m = 1,500 mm
1 cm = 10 mm	×10	7 cm = 70 mm
100 cm = 1 m	÷100	200 cm = 2 m
1,000 mm = 1 m	÷1,000	3,000 mm = 3 m
1,000 m = 1 km	÷1,000	5,000 m = 5 km

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🔄 How to Compare Lengths

• Convert both measurements to the same unit first.
• Then use comparison symbols:
  > (greater than), < (less than), = (equal to)

Example:

• Compare 2.5 m and 250 cm
  Convert 2.5 m to cm → 2.5 × 100 = 250 cm
  ✅ 250 cm = 250 cm → They are equal.

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🧠 Tips to Remember

• Use a place value chart to help with conversions.
• Metric system is decimal-based—easy to multiply/divide by 10, 100, 1,000.
• Always label your units in answers!

Learn with an example

Let’s practice!🖊️