Math with Mr. J: Converting Metric Units of Length

Introduction

• Focus on converting metric units of length: millimeters, centimeters, meters, and kilometers.
• Base unit in the metric system is a meter.
• Use prefixes to create other units of length.

Metric Units and Their Prefixes

• Millimeter (mm):
  • Prefix "milli" means one-thousandth of a meter.
  • 1,000 millimeters = 1 meter.
• Centimeter (cm):
  • Prefix "centi" means one-hundredth of a meter.
  • 100 centimeters = 1 meter.
• Kilometer (km):
  • Prefix "kilo" means 1,000.
  • 1,000 meters = 1 kilometer.

Real-World References

• Millimeter: Thickness of a paper clip.
• Centimeter: Width of a pinky or staple; marked on metric rulers.
• Meter: Slightly over a yard; length of a meter stick.
• Kilometer: Slightly over half a mile; used for measuring long distances.

Conversion Examples

1. Meters to Centimeters:

   • Example: 3 meters = 300 centimeters.
   • Conversion: Multiply by 100 (1 meter = 100 centimeters).

2. Further Example:

   • 10 meters to centimeters: 10 x 100 = 1,000 centimeters.

3. Kilometers to Meters:

   • Example: 9 kilometers = 9,000 meters.
   • Conversion: Multiply by 1,000 (1 kilometer = 1,000 meters).

4. Centimeters to Meters:

   • Example: 400 centimeters = 4 meters.
   • Conversion: Divide by 100 (100 centimeters = 1 meter).

5. Millimeters to Centimeters:

   • Example: 50 millimeters = 5 centimeters.
   • Conversion: Divide by 10 (10 millimeters = 1 centimeter).

6. Millimeters to Meters:

   • Example: 8,000 millimeters = 8 meters.
   • Conversion: Divide by 1,000 (1,000 millimeters = 1 meter).

Conclusion

• Basic conversions within metric units of length covered.
• Remember: multiply or divide based on the relationship of the units.
• Continue practicing to master metric conversions.