Reading a ruler
Name: _____________________ Date: __________
Show your thinking with numbers, words, or a drawing.
1. A nail starts at 0 cm and ends at 5 cm on the ruler. How long is it (in cm)?
2. A stick starts at 0 cm and ends at 6 cm on the ruler. How long is it (in cm)?
3. A twig starts at 0 cm and ends at 5 cm on the ruler. How long is it (in cm)?
4. A leaf starts at 0 cm and ends at 8 cm on the ruler. How long is it (in cm)?
5. A eraser starts at 0 cm and ends at 4 cm on the ruler. How long is it (in cm)?
Answer key · Reading a ruler
1. 5
The nail runs from the 0 cm mark to the 5 cm mark.
Count the spaces, not the marks: 5 − 0 = 5 cm.
2. 6
The stick runs from the 0 cm mark to the 6 cm mark.
Count the spaces, not the marks: 6 − 0 = 6 cm.
3. 5
The twig runs from the 0 cm mark to the 5 cm mark.
Count the spaces, not the marks: 5 − 0 = 5 cm.
4. 8
The leaf runs from the 0 cm mark to the 8 cm mark.
Count the spaces, not the marks: 8 − 0 = 8 cm.
5. 4
The eraser runs from the 0 cm mark to the 4 cm mark.
Count the spaces, not the marks: 4 − 0 = 4 cm.
Try it together
Choose three objects at home. Estimate their measurements, then check together and explain the differences.