Year 5 - Maths
Use knowledge of decimal place value to convert between and compare metres and centimetres
Use knowledge of decimals to solve problems in different contexts: length
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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 use their knowledge of decimal place value to convert between and compare metres and centimetres explaining that different lengths can be composed additively and multiplicatively.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to use knowledge of decimal place value to convert between and compare metres and centimetres.
Key Notes
- There are 100cm in 1m.
- 1cm is one hundredth of a metre so you can write 1cm as 0.01m.
- 10cm is one tenth of a metre so you can write 10cm as 0.1m.
- Lengths of m and cm can be recorded using whole numbers and two decimal places.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Metre: A metre is a measure of length that can be abbreviated as m.
- Centimetre: A centimetre is a measure of length that can be abbreviated as cm.
- Convert: To exchange a unit for an equivalent unit.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may write for example 3 cm as 0.3 m.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
There are 100cm in 1m. 1cm is one hundredth of a metre so you can write 1cm as 0.01m.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Metre'
A metre is a measure of length that can be abbreviated as m. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils may write for example 3 cm as 0.3 m. Correction: Make connections between the headings in the place value chart and images that represent metres, tenths of metres and centimetres.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Compare and order numbers with up to 3 decimal places Study Guide
- Explain that different lengths can be composed additively and multiplicatively Study Guide
- Read and write numbers with up to 3 decimal places Study Guide
- Round a decimal number with hundredths to the nearest tenth Study Guide
- Round a decimal number with hundredths to the nearest whole number Study Guide
- Solve problems with numbers with up to 3 decimal places Study Guide
- Use knowledge of column addition and subtraction to calculate with decimals: tenths and hundredths Study Guide
- Use knowledge of decimal place value to solve problems in different contexts Study Guide
- Use knowledge of place value to calculate with decimal numbers up to and bridging one tenth Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 5 Maths guide library.