Measurement and Data: Comparing Lengths CCSS 4.MD.4

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When comparing lengths, always remember that the two lengths are not equal. If an object is shorter, it is n units less than the other object. At the end of the lesson, the student will learn how to compare lengths by getting the difference between the lengths of two objects.

See the fact file below for more information on the comparing lengths or alternatively, you can download our 29-page Measurement and Data: Comparing Lengths CCSS 4.MD.4 worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

At the end of the lesson, the student will learn how to compare lengths by getting the difference between the lengths of two objects.

A NOTE FOR THE TEACHER

When comparing lengths, take note of the following:
- Make sure that the two objects’ lengths have the same unit of measurement.
- Subtract the shorter length (smaller value) from, the longer one (larger value) to know their difference.
- Don’t forget to label your answer with the correct unit.

THEORY

Visually, we can tell if an object is longer than another object. Likewise, we know that a shorter object lacks length when put beside a longer object. Therefore, this “lack of length” determines a value of which we can compare lengths in specific measurements.
When comparing lengths, always remember that the two lengths are not equal. If an object is shorter, it is n units less than the other object.
If an object is longer, it is n units more than the other object.
The value of n can easily be determined by getting the difference between the two compared objects.
Consider this:
- The length of an unsharpened pencil is 8 inches. The sharpened pencil’s length is 6 inches. How can we know how short the sharpened pencil is to the unsharpened one?
First, always check if the unit of measurement is the same.
In this case, both measurements are in inches.
Second, determine what measurement has the greater value and the smaller value.
8 inches is clearly greater than 6 inches.
Third, subtract the smaller value from the bigger value.
8 inches – 6 inches = 2 inches.
Therefore, we now know that the sharpened pencil is 2 inches shorter than the unsharpened one, while the unsharpened pencil is 2 inches longer than the sharpened one. The difference in measurement is 2 inches.
Note that doing this method requires you to always check if they have the same unit of measurement.