Real measurements are rarely whole numbers: a walk of 2.5 km, a bag of 1.2 kg. Year 5 children change such amounts into smaller units and back again, and compare measures written in different units.
What your child will learn
- Know that 1 km = 1,000 m, 1 kg = 1,000 g and 1 litre = 1,000 ml
- Convert a decimal amount into a smaller unit by multiplying
- Convert into a larger unit by dividing
- Compare two measures by putting them in the same unit
Multiply down, divide up
Going to a smaller unit there are more of them, so multiply: 2.5 km × 1,000 = 2,500 m. Going to a bigger unit there are fewer, so divide: 3,500 g ÷ 1,000 = 3.5 kg. To compare 1.2 km with 900 m, change both to metres first.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. How many grams are there in 7.6 kilograms?
Show answer
Answer: 7600. There are 1000 grams in 1 kg, so multiply by 1000: 7.6 × 1000 = 7600.
2. How many millilitres are there in 6.8 litres?
- 6800
- 680
- 68
- 68000
Show answer
Answer: 6800. There are 1000 millilitres in 1 l, so multiply by 1000: 6.8 × 1000 = 6800.
3. How many grams are there in 1.9 kilograms?
Show answer
Answer: 1900. There are 1000 grams in 1 kg, so multiply by 1000: 1.9 × 1000 = 1900.
Tips for grown-ups
- Read the weights and volumes on food packets and convert them.
- Measure a walk in metres and say it in kilometres.
- Use a measuring jug marked in ml and say the amounts in litres.