Solving a Mixed Measure Word Problem: Step-by-Step Example
23 October 2026
Mixed measure word problems can be confusing for children, especially when they involve different units like metres and centimetres. This example helps your child see how to bring everything to the same unit before working out the answer.
Worked example
A ribbon is 2 metres and 35 centimetres long. Another ribbon is 1 metre and 85 centimetres long. What is the total length of both ribbons in centimetres?
Step 1: Change metres to centimetres. 1 metre = 100 centimetres.
2 metres = 2 × 100 = 200 centimetres.
1 metre = 1 × 100 = 100 centimetres.
Step 2: Add the centimetres to each ribbon.
First ribbon: 200 cm + 35 cm = 235 cm.
Second ribbon: 100 cm + 85 cm = 185 cm.
Step 3: Add both ribbons together.
235 cm + 185 cm = 420 cm.
Key insight: Always change all lengths to the same unit before adding or subtracting.
The correct answer is 420 centimetres.
| Ribbon | Metres | Centimetres | Total (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First ribbon | 2 | 35 | 235 |
| Second ribbon | 1 | 85 | 185 |
| Total | 420 |
After following this example, your child will spot when to convert measurements and how to add them up. There is a similar mixed measure problem ready for your child to practise, using the same clear steps as shown above.
