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      Problem solving with place value

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use my knowledge of place value to solve problems.

      Key learning points

      1. Measures are not always presented in the same format.
      2. Sometimes a measure must be converted into a desired format.
      3. Real-life context can be useful in determining the most useful unit of measurement.

      Keywords

      • Metric - Metric units are based around the standard units of metre, gram and litre.

      • Prefix - A prefix is a group of letters attached to the front of a root (word) to make a new word, for example tricycle.

      • Centi - Centi placed before a unit means (1/100)

      • Milli - Milli placed before a unit means (1/1000)

      • Kilo - Kilo placed before a unit means 1000 times.

      Common misconception

      You have to convert to the same unit to decide if a measure is the same as another.

      For metric units it is possible to compare the digits. Any conversion within metric has the same digits in the same order.

      Teacher tip

      An additional activity to complement this lesson would be to get pupils to measure things around the room using different units of measure.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      __________ units are based around the standard units of metre, gram and litre.

      Correct Answer: metric, Metric

      Q2.
      Centi placed before a unit means

      $${1}\over{10}$$
      Correct answer: $${1}\over{100}$$
      $${1}\over{1000}$$
      $${1}\over{10 000}$$

      Q3.
      Milli placed before a unit means

      $${1}\over{10}$$
      $${1}\over{100}$$
      Correct answer: $${1}\over{1000}$$
      $${1}\over{10 000}$$

      Q4.
      1.3 litres is equivalent to

      13 millilitres
      130 millilitres
      Correct answer: 1300 millilitres
      13 000 millilitres

      Q5.
      13 490 metres is equivalent to

      1349 kilometres
      134.9 kilometres
      Correct answer: 13.49 kilometres
      1.349 kilometres

      Q6.
      2100 millimetres is the same as

      Correct answer: 210 centimetres
      21 centimetres
      21 metres
      Correct answer: 2.1 metres
      0.21 metres

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the equivalent measurements.

      Correct Answer:110 mm,11 cm

      11 cm

      Correct Answer:110 cm,1100 mm

      1100 mm

      Correct Answer:110 m,0.11 km

      0.11 km

      Correct Answer:110 km,110 000 m

      110 000 m

      Q2.
      True or false? Measurements must always be converted to common units in order to compare them.

      True
      Correct answer: False
      Not sure

      Q3.
      True or false? Imperial measures are no longer used today.

      True
      Correct answer: False
      Not sure

      Q4.
      The length of a car should be measured in

      mm
      cm
      Correct answer: m
      km

      Q5.
      The mass of a dog should be measured in

      grams
      Correct answer: kilograms
      ounces

      Q6.
      The distance between Birmingham and Leeds should be measured in

      feet
      inches
      Correct answer: miles
      metres
      Correct answer: kilometres

      To help you plan your 7 maths lesson on: Problem solving with place value, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...