Length tells us how long something is. We measure short things in centimeters (cm) and longer things in meters (m). A ruler shows centimeters.
To order lengths, compare the numbers when the units are the same. 26 cm is longer than 18 cm. When you put three things in order, find the shortest and the longest first, then the one in the middle.
Worked example
A ribbon is 22 cm, a stick is 9 cm and a ruler is 30 cm. Which is the longest?
- All the lengths are in cm, so compare the numbers.
- 30 is the biggest number.
Answer:the ruler
Key words
- length
- how long something is
- centimeter (cm)
- a small unit of length
- meter (m)
- 100 centimeters
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: 2.MD.A.4