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Add lengths in the same unit

The learner understands that lengths measured in the same unit can be combined by adding their numerical measures while retaining the common unit, such as 77 centimeters plus 55 centimeters equaling 1212 centimeters. They can represent and reason about these combinations with labeled diagrams, bar models, or number lines, recognizing that unlike units must first be converted; work is limited to whole-number measurements and does not include fractional, decimal, or unit-conversion calculations.

Detailed Explanation: Add lengths in the same unit

When two lengths use the same unit, add their numbers and keep the unit.

Example: A red ribbon is 77 centimeters long. A blue ribbon is 55 centimeters long. How long are they altogether?

  1. Write the lengths with their units:

7 cm+5 cm 7\text{ cm}+5\text{ cm}
  1. Add the numbers:

7+5=12 7+5=12
  1. Keep the common unit, centimeters:

7 cm+5 cm=12 cm 7\text{ cm}+5\text{ cm}=12\text{ cm}

A bar model shows the same idea:

xxx7 cmxxx+xx5 cmxx=xxxxx12 cmxxxxx\boxed{\phantom{xxx}7\text{ cm}\phantom{xxx}} + \boxed{\phantom{xx}5\text{ cm}\phantom{xx}} = \boxed{\phantom{xxxxx}12\text{ cm}\phantom{xxxxx}}

So, the two ribbons are (12)(12) centimeters long altogether.

Learn by doing: Add lengths in the same unit

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Measurement - Add String Lengths - Centimeters, Answer in Centimeters


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