In this Grade 5 lesson from enVision Mathematics Chapter 12, students learn to convert metric units of length — including kilometers, meters, centimeters, and millimeters — by multiplying to change larger units to smaller units and dividing to change smaller units to larger units. Students apply powers of 10 to solve real-world problems and compare metric lengths using the relationships 1 km = 1,000 m, 1 m = 100 cm, and 1 cm = 10 mm.
Section 1
Metric Units of Length
Metric Units of Length:
The conversion factors in the metric system are all powers of 10.
This property makes the metric system easy to use, because we can convert between units simply by moving the decimal point.
Section 2
Application: Comparing Quantities with Different Units
To compare two lengths given in different units, you must first convert one or both lengths so they are expressed in the same unit.
Then, you can use the symbols , , or to compare their numerical values.
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Section 1
Metric Units of Length
Metric Units of Length:
The conversion factors in the metric system are all powers of 10.
This property makes the metric system easy to use, because we can convert between units simply by moving the decimal point.
Section 2
Application: Comparing Quantities with Different Units
To compare two lengths given in different units, you must first convert one or both lengths so they are expressed in the same unit.
Then, you can use the symbols , , or to compare their numerical values.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter