Compare and order by length
A clear starting point, worked steps and space to practise.
Start here
Length tells us how long something is. Start objects at the same place to compare them fairly.
Do not compare objects with different starting positions. Slide them so the ends line up first.
1 Work through these steps
- Place the objects beside each other.
- Line up one end.
- Look at the other ends.
- Use longer, shorter or the same length.
2 Follow a worked example
A blue ribbon reaches 2 blocks beyond a red ribbon when their left ends line up. Which is longer?
Reduce diagram
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- The ribbons start at the same place.
- The blue ribbon reaches farther.
- The blue ribbon is longer.
3 Try it yourself
Show each step on paper or open Working out. Then check the answer.
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Two pencils start at the same line and finish at the same line. Compare their lengths.
Check answer 1
Answer: They are the same length.
Both starting ends and finishing ends line up.
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Working out
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Check your understanding
Explain the worked example in your own words. Say why the method works, not just what the answer is.
Skills and explanation links
Key ideas taught here
- Length tells us how long something is. Start objects at the same place to compare them fairly.
- Do not compare objects with different starting positions. Slide them so the ends line up first.
Method and checking
For parents and teachers
- Ask your child to explain the method aloud before writing the answer.
- Use a real-life context at home, such as shopping, cooking, sport scores, maps or timetables.
- Praise clear working and checking, not only speed.
- Use counters, blocks, drawings and everyday objects before moving to written symbols.
Practise choosing a method from the information in the question. The examples here are Pi Leo Academy learning activities. Official NAPLAN testing takes place in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9; a topic appearing in these notes does not mean it is tested in NAPLAN.
These notes provide guided examples and practice; they do not certify completion of every curriculum requirement.