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What is a Close By (Distance)?
Grade Level:
Pre-School – Class 2
All domains without exception
Definition
What is it?
When we say something is 'close by' in terms of distance, it means it is near to us or near to a particular point. It implies a short distance, making it quick and easy to reach. The opposite of 'close by' is 'far away'.
Simple Example
Quick Example
Imagine you are at your home in Delhi. Your friend's house is just two streets away. We would say your friend's house is 'close by' because it's a short auto-rickshaw ride or even a walk away.
Worked Example
Step-by-Step
Let's find out if the school canteen is 'close by' from your classroom.
1. You are in your Class 7 classroom.
---2. You want to buy a samosa from the school canteen.
---3. You walk out of your classroom and count the steps to the canteen.
---4. You count 20 steps to reach the canteen.
---5. Your friend's classroom is 50 steps away from the canteen.
---6. Since 20 steps is much less than 50 steps, the canteen is 'close by' to your classroom compared to your friend's classroom.
---Answer: Yes, the school canteen is close by to your classroom.
Why It Matters
Understanding 'close by' helps us make daily decisions, like choosing the shortest route to school or finding the nearest shop. It's crucial in fields like urban planning, logistics for delivery services, and even navigation apps like Google Maps, helping people find the closest petrol pump or hospital.
Common Mistakes
MISTAKE: Thinking 'close by' means exactly the same distance for everyone. | CORRECTION: 'Close by' is relative. What is close for one person (e.g., a 1 km walk) might be far for another (e.g., someone with a physical challenge).
MISTAKE: Confusing 'close by' (distance) with 'close' (relationship, like 'close friends'). | CORRECTION: 'Close by' specifically refers to physical proximity or a short distance. 'Close friends' refers to a strong bond.
MISTAKE: Assuming 'close by' means 'immediately next to'. | CORRECTION: 'Close by' means 'near', not necessarily 'touching'. A shop two blocks away can still be considered close by.
Practice Questions
Try It Yourself
QUESTION: Your school is 500 meters from your home. Your friend's school is 5 kilometers from your home. Which school is 'close by' to your home? | ANSWER: Your school.
QUESTION: You are looking for a chai stall. There's one 100 meters away and another 1 kilometer away. Which one would you say is 'close by'? Why? | ANSWER: The one 100 meters away. Because 100 meters is a much shorter distance than 1 kilometer (1000 meters).
QUESTION: A delivery rider needs to pick up a parcel. Shop A is 3 km away, Shop B is 1.5 km away, and Shop C is 250 meters away. Which shop is the 'closest by' for the rider? Explain. | ANSWER: Shop C. Because 250 meters is the shortest distance (0.25 km) compared to 1.5 km and 3 km.
MCQ
Quick Quiz
Which of these describes something 'close by'?
A journey that takes many hours by train.
A shop just a 5-minute walk from your house.
A city located on another continent.
A destination that requires a flight.
The Correct Answer Is:
B
Option B describes a short, easily accessible distance, which is the definition of 'close by'. The other options describe long distances or journeys.
Real World Connection
In the Real World
When you order food using apps like Swiggy or Zomato, the app shows you restaurants that are 'close by' to your location. This helps you get your food faster and ensures delivery charges are reasonable. Similarly, navigation apps like Google Maps help auto-rickshaw drivers find the 'closest by' route to your destination.
Key Vocabulary
Key Terms
DISTANCE: The amount of space between two points or things. | PROXIMITY: Nearness in space or time. | FAR AWAY: A long distance from a particular point. | RELATIVE: Judged in comparison with something else.
What's Next
What to Learn Next
Now that you understand 'close by', you can explore concepts like 'measurement of distance' using units like meters and kilometers. This will help you describe how close or far things are with exact numbers, building on your current understanding.
