Converting Metres to Kilometres

Year 4 Mathematics Learning about measurement units Understanding the relationship between m and km

Learning Objectives

Understand that 1 kilometre = 1000 metres Convert metres to kilometres by dividing by 1000 Convert kilometres to metres by multiplying by 1000 Solve word problems involving these conversions Explain our reasoning when converting measurements

Think About This...

If you had to walk to school and it was 1 kilometre away, how far would that really be? How many metre sticks do you think you'd need to line up to make 1 kilometre?

The Big Reveal!

1 kilometre = 1000 metres That's like lining up 1000 metre sticks! A kilometre is a much bigger unit than a metre We use kilometres for longer distances We use metres for shorter distances

Place Value Chart for Converting

Converting: The Rules

Metres to Kilometres: DIVIDE by 1000 Example: 5000 m ÷ 1000 = 5 km Kilometres to Metres: MULTIPLY by 1000 Example: 3.2 km × 1000 = 3200 m Remember: Check if your answer makes sense!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't confuse multiply and divide! 1 km ≠ 100 m (it's 1000 m!) Watch your decimal point placement Always check: Does my answer make sense?

Let's Practice Together!

Convert 3000 m to km Convert 2.5 km to m Sam ran 4500 metres. How many kilometres? A track is 1500 m long. How many tracks make 3 km?

Real-Life Connections

{"left":"When might you use metres?\nMeasuring your height\nLength of a swimming pool\nHeight of a building\nWidth of a football pitch","right":"When might you use kilometres?\nDistance to the shops\nLength of a car journey\nDistance between cities\nRunning or cycling distances"}

Quick-Fire Challenge!

3500 m = ? km 2.4 km = ? m Explain to your partner how you convert 450 m to km Which success criteria have you achieved today?