Solve word problems about length
Because length is easy to picture, it is a friendly place for your child to practice deciding whether a story calls for adding or subtracting. Drawing a ribbon or a number line to show the parts and the whole is a tool they will keep using. In 3rd grade, the same kind of drawing helps with problems about time, liquid volume, and weight.
In this video, your child will learn to add and subtract lengths in word problems.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
How long are the two ribbons together?
Example 2
20 + ? = 45
Your child's turn
We need 72 inches. We have 35. How many more inches do we need?
The three key steps
- 1Draw the lengths.
- 2Put together? Add.
- 3A part missing? Subtract.
Mistakes to listen for
- Adding whenever a story says "longer" or "more," even when the shorter length is missing and subtraction is needed.
- Leaving the unit off the answer, writing 27 instead of 27 inches.
- Drawing bars that do not match the numbers, such as a short bar for 45 and a long one for 18.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to story problems about length →
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Bobby's Math Club offers unlimited practice for free.
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More 2nd grade Measurement & Data, with questions your child answers along the way.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice story problems about length, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to story problems about length has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice story problems about length
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on story problems about length and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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