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Measuring Distance in Metres

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Measuring Distance in Metres

A community fun run is being planned. Use metres and kilometres to check distances, compare routes and solve the planning problems. Remember: 1 km = 1,000 m.

Choose and convert units

Use metres for shorter distances and kilometres for longer journeys.

1.The course team needs to record each distance. Choose the most sensible unit: (a) the length of a 100 m sprint, (b) a road trip from Hamilton to Tauranga, (c) the length of a school hall.

2.The first fun-run marker is 1.4 km from the start. How many metres is that?

3.A volunteer walks 2,350 m while checking the course. Write this distance in kilometres and metres.

4.Put these course distances in order from shortest to longest: 0.8 km, 950 m, 1.05 km, 1,000 m.

Check the course plan

The course has three sections. Use the distances below for Questions 5–7.

Section

Distance

Start to water station

650 m

Water station to bridge

0.85 km

Bridge to finish

1,200 m

5.How far is the whole course? Give your answer in metres and kilometres.

6.The organisers want the finish to be exactly 3 km from the start. How many more metres must they add to this course?

7.A runner completes the 2.7 km course twice. What total distance has the runner covered in metres?

Estimate, measure and explain

Use sensible estimates and show how you reasoned.

8.A 400 m track is used for a practice run. How many full laps make 2 km?

9.Tui walks 750 m to the park, runs a 1.6 km loop, then walks 750 m home. What total distance does she travel in kilometres?

10.A fun-run volunteer estimates a 20 m distance by pacing it, then measures it with a measuring wheel and gets 18 m. Give one reason the estimate might differ from the measured distance, and say which result is more reliable.