Grade 4 → Measurement → Length ↓
Word Problems on Length
Word problems on length are a part of mathematics that aims to apply your knowledge of measuring length in practical, real-world situations. These problems enhance problem-solving skills and help students understand the application of mathematical concepts in day-to-day life.
Basic concepts of length
Before we get into word problems, let's recap what length is. Length is the measurement of something from one end to the other. We use different units to measure length, such as millimeters (mm), centimeters (cm), meters (m), and kilometers (km).
Units of length
Common units of length are as follows:
- Millimeter (mm): The smallest metric unit of measuring length.
- Centimeter (cm): 10 millimeters make 1 centimeter.
- Meter (m): From the metric system, this is the base unit. There are 100 centimeters in a meter.
- Kilometer (km): Used to measure long distances. There are 1000 meters in a kilometer.
Converting units
In many word problems, you will need to convert measurements from one unit to another. Here are some basic unit conversions you need to know:
1 cm = 10 mm 1 meter = 100 cm 1 km = 1000 meters
Steps to solve word problems relating to length
Solving word problems requires a step-by-step approach. Here's how you can solve them:
- Read the problem carefully: Understand what the problem is asking. Identify the quantities involved and what is being asked.
- Identify units: Note the units used and determine if you need to convert them for consistency.
- Write down what you know: Outline the known values and the unknown values you need to find.
- Formulate the method: Decide on the mathematical operations needed to solve the problem.
- Solve the problem: Use mathematical operations to find a solution.
- Check your work: Review your calculations and make sure the solution makes sense in the context of the problem.
Examples of word problems on length
Example 1: Addition of lengths
Problem: Anna has a ribbon 50 cm long. She buys another ribbon 75 cm long. What is the total length of the ribbon she has?
Solution:
- Step 1: Read the problem. We need to find the total length of two ribbons by adding their lengths.
- Step 2: Identify the known values: 50 cm and 75 cm.
- Step 3: Adding process is required.
- Step 4: Add the Length.
50 cm + 75 cm = 125 cm
- Step 5: Conclusion - The total length of the ribbon is 125 cm.
Example 2: Subtracting length
Problem: John has a piece of wood that is 2 m long. He cut a 70 cm long piece for a project. How much wood is left now?
Solution:
- Step 1: Understand the need to find the remaining length after cutting.
- Step 2: The known values are 2 m and 70 cm. Convert 2 m to centimeters for consistency:
2 m = 200 cm
- Step 3: Decrease the Length of the Wood:
200 cm - 70 cm = 130 cm
- Step 4: Conclusion - The remaining wood is 130 cm long.
Example 3: Multiplication of lengths
Problem: A garden path is 3 m wide and is made of 5 tiles joined end to end. Each tile is 80 cm long. What is the total length of the path?
Solution:
- Step 1: Calculate the total length by multiplying the number of tiles by the length of each tile.
- Step 2: The known values are 5 tiles and 80 cm per tile.
- Step 3: Multiply the number of tiles by the length of one tile:
5 tiles × 80 cm = 400 cm
- Step 4: Conclusion - The total length of the garden path is 400 cm.
Visual example: Measurement and conversion
Example 4: Division of length
Question: A rope 240 cm long is cut into 8 equal parts. What is the length of each part?
Solution:
- Step 1: Determine the length of each part by dividing the total length by the number of parts.
- Step 2: The known values are 240 cm total length and 8 parts.
- Step 3: Divide the total length by the number of pieces.
240 cm ÷ 8 = 30 cm
- Step 4: Conclusion - The measurement of each part is 30 cm.
Practice problems
Now, test your understanding with some practice questions.
- A child has a rope 100 cm long. He cuts it into 5 equal parts. What is the length of each part?
- A park is 2 kilometers long. If you walk 700 meters in the park, how much distance will you have to cover to reach the other end?
- A hallway is 120 m long. If it is to be covered with 20 m long tiles, how many tiles will be needed?
- Sara bought 3 pieces of cloth each measuring 45 cm. What is the total length of the cloth she bought?
Try to solve each problem by following the steps discussed and verify your answers. The key to mastering word problems is constant practice and understanding the approach.
Keep practicing and you'll be able to easily convert real-world situations into mathematical solutions!