4.2. Distance http://www.ck12.org
4.2 Distance
- Define distance.
- Identify the SI unit for distance.
- Demonstrate how to use the scale on a map to measure distance.
Do you participate in track like the boys pictured here? If not, you may have attended a track meet. The boys in the
picture are running a 100-meter sprint. Running events in track are named for their distance.
What Is Distance?
Distanceis the length of the route between two points. The distance of a race, for example, is the length of the track
between the starting and finishing lines. In a 100-meter sprint, that distance is 100 meters.
SI Unit for Distance
The SI unit for distance is the meter (m). Short distances may be measured in centimeters (cm), and long distances
may be measured in kilometers (km). For example, you might measure the distance from the bottom to the top of a
sheet of paper in centimeters and the distance from your house to your school in kilometers.
Using Maps to Measure Distance
Maps can often be used to measure distance. The map in theFigure4.3 shows the route from Jordan’s house to his
school. You can use the scale at the bottom of the map to measure the distance between these two points.
Q:What is the distance from Jordan’s house to his school?
A:The distance is 2 kilometers.