What is Shortest?

S0-SA2-0266

Grade Level:

Pre-School – Class 2

All domains without exception

Definition

What is it?

The 'shortest' refers to something that has the least length or distance among a group of items. When we compare things, the shortest one is the one that measures the least from one end to the other.

Simple Example

Quick Example

Imagine you have three pencils: one is new, one is half-used, and one is just a small stub. The small stub pencil is the shortest because it has the least length compared to the other two.

Worked Example

Step-by-Step

Let's find the shortest route to school.
---You have three paths to school from your home.
---Path A is 500 meters long.
---Path B is 350 meters long.
---Path C is 600 meters long.
---To find the shortest path, we compare the lengths: 500m, 350m, 600m.
---The smallest number among these is 350.
---So, Path B is the shortest route to school.
---Answer: Path B

Why It Matters

Understanding 'shortest' helps us make smart choices every day, from picking the quickest line at the bus stop to finding the most efficient way to deliver packages. Engineers use this to design the shortest bridges, and app developers use it to find the fastest routes for your food delivery.

Common Mistakes

MISTAKE: Confusing 'shortest' with 'smallest' when talking about area or volume. | CORRECTION: 'Shortest' specifically refers to length or distance. 'Smallest' can refer to size in general, like the smallest rock (by volume).

MISTAKE: Not comparing all available options before deciding. | CORRECTION: Always compare all items or distances given to accurately identify the one with the least length.

MISTAKE: Thinking 'shortest' means 'quickest' without considering other factors like traffic. | CORRECTION: While often related, 'shortest' is about physical length or distance. 'Quickest' involves time, which can be affected by speed, obstacles, or traffic, even on a shorter path.

Practice Questions

Try It Yourself

QUESTION: Which number is the shortest length: 15 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm? | ANSWER: 10 cm

QUESTION: Your friend walked 2 km to the market. You walked 1.5 km. Your cousin walked 3 km. Who walked the shortest distance? | ANSWER: You walked the shortest distance (1.5 km).

QUESTION: A tailor has three pieces of cloth: one is 2.5 meters long, another is 2 meters 75 centimeters long, and the third is 220 centimeters long. Which piece of cloth is the shortest? (Hint: Convert all lengths to the same unit first). | ANSWER: The third piece of cloth (220 cm or 2.2 meters) is the shortest.

MCQ

Quick Quiz

Which of these is the shortest time duration?

1 hour

60 minutes

3600 seconds

50 minutes

The Correct Answer Is:

All options A, B, and C represent the same duration (1 hour = 60 minutes = 3600 seconds). Option D, 50 minutes, is less than 60 minutes, making it the shortest duration.

Real World Connection

In the Real World

When you use a navigation app like Google Maps or MapMyIndia to find your way, the app often suggests the 'shortest route' or 'fastest route'. This helps auto-rickshaw drivers find the best path to drop you, or delivery executives from Swiggy or Zomato reach you quickly by calculating the path with the least distance.

Key Vocabulary

Key Terms

LENGTH: The measurement of how long something is from end to end. | DISTANCE: The amount of space between two points. | COMPARE: To look at two or more things to see how they are similar or different. | MEASURE: To find the size, amount, or degree of something using a tool or standard.

What's Next

What to Learn Next

Now that you understand 'shortest', you can explore 'What is Longest?'. This concept builds on comparing lengths and will help you understand how to identify the greatest length or distance among items.