Compare Lengths from the Same Starting Place

Supplied materials

• Paper and a pencil; drawing and spoken explanations are welcome. An adult may read directions and options aloud.
• Supplied worked-case record: A blue strip spans 5 equal boxes and a green strip spans 8.
• All quantities and shape descriptions are supplied in the worked example and questions; no purchase or personal information is needed.

Learn the idea

To compare two lengths fairly, put their starts together. Then look at which end reaches farther. If one strip starts farther forward, its end can trick you. Color and width are different attributes from length.

Draw the supplied strips using equal-sized boxes and align their left ends. Compare the right endpoints. Name the longer strip and explain that both begin at the same place.

Line up one end of both strips. Do not compare endpoints when the starting places differ. Draw equal-sized boxes in two rows with their left edges aligned.

1. Draw equal-sized boxes in two rows with their left edges aligned.
2. Follow the worked example. Point to each number or shape feature and say what it tells you.
3. Draw the supplied strips using equal-sized boxes and align their left ends.
4. Try the question and then the three practice questions. Check your answers and explain any change you make.

Check your reasoning

Your answer is temporary and is not saved to an account. Download your current answer before leaving or reloading. Written work on paper or in another app stays in your own file.

Take it further

Compare 6-box and 4-box strips from the same start. Expected: the 6-box strip is longer.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.