To determine the correct way to specify a measurement with units, we need to evaluate each option:
"The distance is 5 meters" - This option correctly specifies a measurement with a numerical value and a unit of measurement (meters).
"The distance is 5" - This option lacks a unit of measurement, making it incomplete for specifying a measurement.
"The distance is $5 \%$" - This option uses a percentage, which is not a unit of distance. Therefore, it is incorrect for specifying a distance measurement.
"The distance is 5 percent" - Similar to the third option, this uses a percentage, which is not appropriate for a distance measurement.
Step 2: Determine the Correct Option
Based on the analysis, the first option, "The distance is 5 meters," is the only one that correctly specifies a measurement with both a numerical value and an appropriate unit of measurement.