Comparing Lengths
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What is Comparing Lengths?
Comparing lengths means looking at two or more things to see which is longer, shorter, or if they are the same length.
Words for Comparing
When we compare lengths, we use special words:
Comparison Words
- Longer - One thing is bigger from end to end
- Shorter - One thing is smaller from end to end
- Taller - Used for things that go up and down (like people!)
- Same length - Both things are equal
- Longest - The biggest of three or more things
- Shortest - The smallest of three or more things
How to Compare Lengths
There are two main ways to compare:
Method 1: Line Them Up
Put both objects next to each other. Make sure they start at the same place. Look to see which one sticks out farther - that one is longer!
Method 2: Use Measurements
Measure both objects. Compare the numbers. The bigger number means longer!
Example: 8 inches is longer than 5 inches.
Examples
Let's compare some lengths!
Example 1: A red pencil is 6 inches. A blue pencil is 4 inches. Which is longer?
Step 1: Compare the numbers: 6 and 4
Step 2: 6 is greater than 4
Answer: The red pencil is longer.
Example 2: A jump rope is 10 cubes long. A string is 10 cubes long. Compare them.
Step 1: Compare the numbers: 10 and 10
Step 2: They are equal!
Answer: The jump rope and string are the same length.
Example 3: Sam is 42 inches tall. Emma is 45 inches tall. Who is taller?
Step 1: Compare: 42 and 45
Step 2: 45 is greater than 42
Answer: Emma is taller.
Example 4: Three ribbons: Red is 5 inches, Blue is 8 inches, Green is 3 inches. Order them shortest to longest.
Step 1: Find the smallest number: 3 (Green)
Step 2: Find the middle number: 5 (Red)
Step 3: Find the biggest number: 8 (Blue)
Answer: Shortest to longest: Green, Red, Blue (3, 5, 8 inches)
Example 5: A worm is 7 paper clips long. A caterpillar is 5 paper clips long. Which is shorter?
Step 1: Compare: 7 and 5
Step 2: 5 is less than 7
Answer: The caterpillar is shorter.
Practice Problems
Compare these lengths!
1. A snake is 12 inches. A worm is 4 inches. Which is longer?
Show Answer
The snake is longer (12 > 4).
2. Book A is 9 cubes long. Book B is 9 cubes long. Compare them.
Show Answer
They are the same length.
3. Dad is 72 inches tall. Mom is 65 inches tall. Who is shorter?
Show Answer
Mom is shorter (65 < 72).
4. A marker is 6 inches. A crayon is 3 inches. How much longer is the marker?
Show Answer
The marker is 3 inches longer (6 - 3 = 3).
5. Three straws: 4 inches, 7 inches, 2 inches. Which is the longest?
Show Answer
The 7-inch straw is the longest.
6. A toy train is 8 cubes long. A toy car is 5 cubes long. Which is shorter?
Show Answer
The toy car is shorter (5 < 8).
7. Your arm is 15 inches. Your friend's arm is 14 inches. Whose arm is longer?
Show Answer
Your arm is longer (15 > 14).
8. Order from shortest to longest: 10 inches, 3 inches, 7 inches
Show Answer
Shortest to longest: 3 inches, 7 inches, 10 inches
9. A red ribbon is 11 cubes. A blue ribbon is 15 cubes. How much shorter is the red ribbon?
Show Answer
The red ribbon is 4 cubes shorter (15 - 11 = 4).
10. Four pencils: 2 inches, 6 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches. Which is the shortest?
Show Answer
The 2-inch pencil is the shortest.
Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions about comparing lengths!
1. What word do we use when one thing is bigger from end to end?
Show Answer
We say it is longer.
2. How can you compare two objects without measuring them?
Show Answer
Line them up so they start at the same place. See which one sticks out farther.
3. If a string is 9 cubes long and a ribbon is 12 cubes long, which is shorter and by how much?
Show Answer
The string is shorter by 3 cubes (12 - 9 = 3).
4. What word do we use to compare heights of people?
Show Answer
We use taller and shorter when talking about height.
Next Steps
- Practice comparing things around your home
- Find the longest and shortest things in your room
- Go back to Measuring Length if you need to review
- Great job learning to compare lengths!