Year 5 - Maths
Compare and describe measurements involving mass and capacity
Compare and describe measurements using knowledge of multiplication and division
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will learn to compare and describe measurements using multiplication and division, applying their understanding of scaling as a structure of multiplication.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to compare and describe measurements involving mass and capacity.
Key Notes
- A change in mass or capacity can be described multiplicatively.
- The sentence 'The __________ is ___ times the mass/capacity/volume of the __________' supports understanding.
- Comparisons of measure can be represented as multiplication equations.
- Division can be represented as multiplication by a unit fraction
Vocabulary To Learn
- Times the mass/capacity/volume: Times the mass/capacity/volume is a phrase that is used to compare and describe. For example, one bear might be three times the mass of another bear - it is three times as heavy.
- Mass: Mass is a measure of how much matter something contains. It is commonly measured by how much something weighs. Mass can be measured in kilograms and grams.
- Capacity: Capacity is a measure of the maximum amount of liquid a container can hold when full. Capacity can be measured in millilitres and litres.
- Volume: Volume is the amount of space that an object takes up. In this case, the specific amount of liquid in a container. Volume can be measured in millilitres and litres.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Children may say 'ten times heavier' which is imprecise. Children are more familiar with multiplication resulting in an increase and need to appreciate that it can also result in a decrease.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
A change in mass or capacity can be described multiplicatively. The sentence 'The __________ is ___ times the mass/capacity/volume of the __________' supports understanding.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Times the mass/capacity/volume'
Times the mass/capacity/volume is a phrase that is used to compare and describe. For example, one bear might be three times the mass of another bear - it is three times as heavy. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Children may say 'ten times heavier' which is imprecise. Children are more familiar with multiplication resulting in an increase and need to appreciate that it can also result in a decrease. Correction: We say, 'ten times the original mass' because this is more precise, especially when the scale factor is fractional. When we multiply by a unit fraction, it is the same as dividing the whole by the number of equal parts in it, resulting in a decrease.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Compare and describe lengths using knowledge of division Study Guide
- Compare and describe lengths using knowledge of multiplication Study Guide
- Compare and describe measurements involving time and money Study Guide
- Describe changes in measurement using knowledge of multiplication and division Study Guide
- Solve comparison and change problems in a range of contexts Study Guide
- Solve comparison and change problems using division Study Guide
- Solve comparison and change problems using multiplication Study Guide
- Solve problems involving comparison and change Study Guide
- Use knowledge of multiplication and division to solve comparison and change problems Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 5 Maths guide library.