Metric units of length: word problems: Example question
31 October 2026
Word problems with metric units of length help children connect maths to real-life situations. Here is a clear example that shows how to work out how much is left after something is taken away.
A ribbon is 120 cm long. Emma cuts off 45 cm. How much ribbon is left?
Write down the total length: 120 cm
Write down the length cut off: 45 cm
Subtract to find how much is left: 120 cm - 45 cm = 75 cm
The answer is 75 cm of ribbon is left.
After seeing this example, your child will know how to use subtraction with centimetres in word problems. They can now try a similar question and practise solving metric length problems on their own.
