Find both lengths in the same unit, then subtract the shorter from the longer. If a story gives one length and the difference, add or subtract to find the other.
longerreaching further
shorternot reaching as far
differencehow much more one is than the other
centimetera small unit of length
Watch for: Adding the two lengths instead of finding the difference. Subtracting because a story says “shorter,” when it asks for the longer one. Leaving off the unit: 9 cm, not just 9.
At home: Line up two spoons or two shoes, measure both, and ask how much longer one is.
Sample sheet and answer key
Freddie's Frog Pond
Grade 2 · How much longer? · 2.MD.A.4
NameDate
Freddie the frog lives in a busy pond full of bugs, lily pads and friends. Solve each problem to help Freddie out!
Measure both
How long is the crayon? How long is the pencil?
centimeters
centimeters
How much longer?
Take the shorter length from the longer one.
15 cm − 2 cm =cm11 cm − 9 cm =cm11 cm − 2 cm =cm12 cm − 11 cm =cm
Longer or shorter?
1
A worm is 10 cm long. A pencil is 7 cm long. How much longer is the worm?
cm
2
A straw is 3 cm long. It is 6 cm shorter than a pencil. How long is the pencil?
cm
Sheet
Freddie's Frog Pond
Grade 2 · How much longer? · 2.MD.A.4
Answer key
Freddie the frog lives in a busy pond full of bugs, lily pads and friends. Solve each problem to help Freddie out!
Measure both
How long is the crayon? How long is the pencil?
10centimeters
3centimeters
How much longer?
Take the shorter length from the longer one.
15 cm − 2 cm =13cm11 cm − 9 cm =2cm11 cm − 2 cm =9cm12 cm − 11 cm =1cm
Longer or shorter?
1
A worm is 10 cm long. A pencil is 7 cm long. How much longer is the worm?
10 − 7 = 3
3cm
2
A straw is 3 cm long. It is 6 cm shorter than a pencil. How long is the pencil?
3 + 6 = 9
9cm
Answer key
New problems every time, three levels (gentle, core and stretch), themes to pick from, a second page if you want one. Each sheet comes with an answer key and a one-page guide for grown-ups.
