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Year 4 - Maths

Use knowledge of 1,000 to explain common measure conversions

Calculation and conversion of measures

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will use knowledge of 1000 to explain common measure conversions and solve problems.

Lesson Summary

You can use knowledge of 1,000 to explain common measure conversions.

Key Notes

  • There are 1,000 m in a km and 1,000 mm in a m
  • There are 1,000 ml in a l and 1,000 g in a kg
  • Milli means 1,000 times smaller
  • Kilo means 1,000 times larger

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Millimetre: A metric measure of distance used for small lengths.
  • Metre: The basic unit of length (or distance) in the metric system.
  • Kilometre: A metric measure of distance, equal to 1,000 metres.
  • Gram / Kilogram: A gram (g) is a measure of mass. 1,000 grams are equivalent to one kilogram (kg).
  • Millilitre / litre: A millilitre (ml) is a measure of capacity. 1,000 millilitres are equivalent to one litre (l)

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils can be misled by the meaning of the prefix 'milli', as it sounds like one million. They therefore presume a millimetre is one millionth of a metre, or that one metre is one million millimetres.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.

There are 1,000 m in a km and 1,000 mm in a m. There are 1,000 ml in a l and 1,000 g in a kg.

2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Millimetre'

A metric measure of distance used for small lengths. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.

3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.

Mistake: Pupils can be misled by the meaning of the prefix 'milli', as it sounds like one million. They therefore presume a millimetre is one millionth of a metre, or that one metre is one million millimetres. Correction: The etymology of the prefixes 'milli' and 'kilo' are discussed in the lesson. You may wish to extend this by talking about other examples. Adding the words and their meanings to your Maths area will serve as a useful reminder, as will flash cards.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 4 Maths guide library.