How do you measure an exact distance when it exceeds the paper's length?

How do you measure an exact distance when it exceeds the paper's length?

• A. Keep sliding paper to the right and use the scale to measure the total distance
• B. Fold the map to measure the remainder
• C. Estimate by eye
• D. Use a ruler for the entire length

Answer: (A)

When a distance is longer than your measuring paper, extend the measurement by chaining segments. Start with the starting point at the zero mark, then slide the paper to the right so that a fresh portion of the scale comes under the distance you’re measuring. Read the scale at the far edge to capture the length just covered, then continue sliding and reading until the end of the distance is under the scale. The total distance is the sum of all the segments read in succession. This works because the scale on the paper is uniform, so each added slide adds the exact length it represents. Folding would distort the scale, estimating by eye isn’t exact, and using a ruler for the entire length isn’t feasible if the distance exceeds the paper.

When a distance is longer than your measuring paper, extend the measurement by chaining segments. Start with the starting point at the zero mark, then slide the paper to the right so that a fresh portion of the scale comes under the distance you’re measuring. Read the scale at the far edge to capture the length just covered, then continue sliding and reading until the end of the distance is under the scale. The total distance is the sum of all the segments read in succession. This works because the scale on the paper is uniform, so each added slide adds the exact length it represents. Folding would distort the scale, estimating by eye isn’t exact, and using a ruler for the entire length isn’t feasible if the distance exceeds the paper.