Ctrl+k

Compare lengths directly

Length is an attribute that can be compared directly by matching one endpoint and determining which object extends farther, or whether both endpoints coincide when lengths are equal. This reasoning establishes the relationships longer than, shorter than, and the same length as, including ordering several objects, while distinguishing length from an object’s position, orientation, or overall size and preparing for comparison using standard units.

Detailed Explanation: Compare lengths directly

To compare two lengths directly:

  1. Find one endpoint of each object.
  2. Put those endpoints together.
  3. Keep the objects going in the same direction.
  4. Look at the other endpoints. The object that extends farther is longer.

Example: Compare a blue strip and a red strip.

  • Place one end of the blue strip next to one end of the red strip.
  • Ignore where the strips were sitting before and whether one was turned.
  • Look at the opposite ends.
  • The blue strip’s end extends farther than the red strip’s end.

So, the blue strip is longer than the red strip. The red strip is shorter than the blue strip.

If both opposite endpoints ended in the same place, the strips would be the same length.

Learn by doing: Compare lengths directly

Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill

    Practice with unlimited practice problems

    Measurement - Compare Length - Longer or Shorter

      ?