Compare Measurements: 50 cm vs 5 meters Length Comparison

Q: Why can't I just compare 50 and 5 since 50 is bigger?

Because they have different units! 50 cm is much smaller than 5 meters. It's like comparing 50 pennies to 5 dollars - you need to convert to the same unit first.

Q: Should I always convert to centimeters or meters?

Either works! Convert to whichever unit makes the math easier. Centimeters often work well because you avoid decimals (5 m = 500 cm vs 50 cm = 0.5 m).

Q: How do I remember the conversion between meters and centimeters?

Remember: 1 meter = 100 centimeters. Think of it like 1 dollar = 100 pennies. The prefix 'centi-' means 'one hundredth'.

Q: What if I get confused about which direction to convert?

Pick the unit that gives you whole numbers when possible. Converting 5 m to 500 cm is often easier than converting 50 cm to 0.5 m.

Q: How can I double-check my conversion is right?

Ask yourself: Should the bigger unit give a smaller number?5 meters should equal more centimeters (500), not fewerUse real-world context: a door is about 2 meters or 200 cm tall

Unit Conversion with Metric Measurements

Which is larger?

50 cm ⬜ 5 meters

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Understand the problem

Which is larger?

50 cm ⬜ 5 meters

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of determining which is larger between 50 cm and 5 m, we need to compare the two measurements in the same units. We'll convert 5 meters into centimeters for a direct comparison.

Step 1: Convert 5 meters into centimeters. Since 1 meter equals 100 centimeters, we multiply 5 meters by 100 to find its equivalent in centimeters:
5 m $\times$ 100 cm/m = 500 cm

Step 2: Compare the two values in centimeters:

50 cm and 500 cm

Clearly, 50 cm is less than 500 cm.

Therefore, the correct inequality is $50 \, \text{cm} < 5 \, \text{m}$ .

This corresponds to choice $<$ which is choice number 2.

Final Answer

$<$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Conversion Rule: Always convert to the same unit before comparing measurements
Technique: Multiply 5 meters × 100 = 500 centimeters for comparison
Check: Verify 50 cm < 500 cm makes sense in real life ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Comparing different units directly without conversion
Don't compare 50 cm to 5 m directly without converting = wrong comparison! The numbers look similar but represent vastly different lengths. Always convert both measurements to the same unit first.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Convert to meters:
$$ 40 $$ cm

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just compare 50 and 5 since 50 is bigger?

Because they have different units! 50 cm is much smaller than 5 meters. It's like comparing 50 pennies to 5 dollars - you need to convert to the same unit first.

Should I always convert to centimeters or meters?

Either works! Convert to whichever unit makes the math easier. Centimeters often work well because you avoid decimals (5 m = 500 cm vs 50 cm = 0.5 m).

How do I remember the conversion between meters and centimeters?

Remember: 1 meter = 100 centimeters. Think of it like 1 dollar = 100 pennies. The prefix 'centi-' means 'one hundredth'.

What if I get confused about which direction to convert?

Pick the unit that gives you whole numbers when possible. Converting 5 m to 500 cm is often easier than converting 50 cm to 0.5 m.

How can I double-check my conversion is right?

Ask yourself: Should the bigger unit give a smaller number?
5 meters should equal more centimeters (500), not fewer
Use real-world context: a door is about 2 meters or 200 cm tall

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