Convert Between m, cm and mm

In this activity, we're going to be converting between metres, centimetres and millimetres.

Information that will help us:

There are 100 cm in a m

There are 10 mm in a cm

mm = millimetre

cm = centimetre

m = metre

When we multiply by 10, all the digits move one place to the left (the decimal point does not move)

When we divide by 10, all the digits move one place to the right (the decimal point does not move)

When we multiply by 100, all the digits move two places to the left (the decimal point does not move)

When we divide by 100, all the digits move two places to the right (the decimal point does not move)

We can use the information above to help us answer the questions in this activity. 

It is useful to learn this information and keep it in your head!

For this activity, you can look back at this information by clicking on the red help button on the screen.

Let's have a look at an example:

How many mm are there in 32 cm?

We know that there are 10 mm in 1 cm

To convert 32 cm into mm we need to multiply 32 by 10

32 x 10 = 320 mm

32 cm = 320 mm

Now let's look at another question - this time as a word problem:

A book is 15 cm in length.

What is the total length of 2 books in mm?

First, we need to find the total length of the books.

2 x 15 cm = 30 cm

Now, we convert 30 cm to millimetres.

30 x 10 = 300

The total length is 300 mm

Now, why don't you have a go at some questions?