🔢 MathGrade 3Lesson 20
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Convert Units

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Learning Objectives

  • 1Convert centimeters to meters and meters to centimeters using the relationship 1 m = 100 cm
  • 2Convert grams to kilograms and kilograms to grams using the relationship 1 kg = 1,000 g
  • 3Solve simple unit-conversion problems in real-life contexts
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Mini Lesson

Converting between units means changing from one unit to another while keeping the same value. The key is knowing the conversion factor — the number that links the two units.

Length: cm and m

  • 1 meter (m) = 100 centimeters (cm).
  • To convert m to cm: multiply by 100 (move the decimal two places right).
  • To convert cm to m: divide by 100 (move the decimal two places left).

Mass: g and kg

  • 1 kilogram (kg) = 1,000 grams (g).
  • To convert kg to g: multiply by 1,000.
  • To convert g to kg: divide by 1,000.

Capacity: mL and L

  • 1 liter (L) = 1,000 milliliters (mL).
  • To convert L to mL: multiply by 1,000.
  • To convert mL to L: divide by 1,000.
Converting LengthA conversion chart for meters and centimeters with arrow diagrams and two worked examples.Converting Length1 m = 100 cmmeters (m)cm× 100÷ 100Worked Examples:3 m = ? cm3 × 100 = 300 cm250 cm = ? m250 ÷ 100 = 2.5 mAlways check: m > cm value? Multiply by 100.
Converting MassA conversion chart for kilograms and grams with arrow diagrams and two worked examples.Converting Mass1 kg = 1,000 gkggrams (g)× 1,000÷ 1,000Worked Examples:2.5 kg = ? g2.5 × 1,000 = 2,500 g3,500 g = ? kg3,500 ÷ 1,000 = 3.5 kgRemember: kg > g value? Multiply by 1,000.
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Going to a smaller unit? Multiply. Going to a larger unit? Divide.

Vocabulary
Convert
To change a measurement from one unit to anothere.g. I convert 2 meters to 200 centimeters.
Unit
A standard amount used to measuree.g. Centimeters and meters are units of length.
Metric system
A measuring system based on units of 10, 100, and 1,000e.g. The metric system uses meters and grams.
Equivalent
Equal in valuee.g. 100 cm is equivalent to 1 m.
Multiply
To find the total of equal groupse.g. I multiply by 100 to convert m to cm.
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