In mathematics, the term "shortest" refers to an object or entity having the smallest measurement in terms of length, height, or distance compared to others in a given set. This comparative concept is fundamental when working with measurements and helps establish relationships between different objects based on their spatial dimensions. "Shortest" represents the superlative form of "short" and indicates the absolute minimum length in a comparison group.
The concept of "shortest" can be applied across various contexts in mathematics. Primarily, it's used when comparing physical measurements such as lengths of lines, heights of objects, or distances between points. However, the term can also extend to more abstract applications, such as describing the minimum time duration or the most efficient path in optimization problems. When solving problems involving the concept of "shortest," we typically look for the minimum value when comparing multiple measurements.
Examples of Finding the Shortest Measurement Example 1: Finding the Shortest Pencil Problem:Compare the lengths of three pencils measuring 12 cm, 9 cm, and 14 cm. Which pencil is the shortest?
Step-by-step solution: Step 1, Identify what we're comparing: the lengths of three different pencils. Step 2, List all the measurements in order to compare them: Pencil 1: 12 cm Pencil 2: 9 cm Pencil 3: 14 cm Step 3, Compare the values to find the smallest length. 9 cm is less than 12 cm 9 cm is less than 14 cm Step 4, Therefore, Pencil 2 with a length of 9 cm is the shortest pencil among the three. Example 2: Determining the Shortest Student Problem:In a class of four students, Alex is 145 cm tall, Bella is 138 cm tall, Carlos is 152 cm tall, and Dina is 140 cm tall. Who is the shortest student in the class?
Step-by-step solution: Step 1, Organize the height measurements of all students: Alex: 145 cm Bella: 138 cm Carlos: 152 cm Dina: 140 cm Step 2, To find the shortest, we need to identify the minimum value in this set. Step 3, Compare the heights systematically: Bella (138 cm) is shorter than Alex (145 cm) Bella (138 cm) is shorter than Carlos (152 cm) Bella (138 cm) is shorter than Dina (140 cm) Step 4, Therefore, Bella with a height of 138 cm is the shortest student in the class. Example 3: Calculating the Shortest Path in a Coordinate System Problem:Find the shortest path from point A to point B in a coordinate system where direct diagonal movement is not allowed. Point A is at coordinates (1,1) and point B is at coordinates (4,3).
Calculating the Shortest Path in a Coordinate System
Step-by-step solution: Step 1, Understand that the shortest path in a coordinate system without diagonal movement is measured by the total number of horizontal and vertical steps needed. Step 2, Calculate the horizontal distance: Horizontal distance = |4 - 1| = 3 units Step 3, Calculate the vertical distance: Vertical distance = |3 - 1| = 2 units Step 4, Add these values to find the total minimum distance: Shortest path length = 3 + 2 = 5 units Step 5, Finally, the shortest path from point A to point B requires 5 movement units (3 horizontal and 2 vertical steps in any sequence). Comments(5)NNatureLover89September 17, 2025I’ve been using this page to help my kids understand the concept of 'shortest' in math problems, and the examples made it so easy for them to grasp. Great resource!NNatureLover82September 10, 2025I’ve been using the ‘shortest’ definition and examples from EDU.COM to help my kids with math problems, and it’s been super helpful! The clear steps make it easy for them to understand and solve questions.MCMs. CarterAugust 27, 2025I’ve been using this glossary to help my kids grasp math concepts, and the 'Shortest' definition was super clear! The examples made it easy for them to understand. Great resource!MCMs. CarterAugust 20, 2025I’ve used the 'shortest' definition from this page to help my kids understand math problems better. The examples are super clear, and they made learning fun and easy for them!LLearningWithLilyJuly 30, 2025I’ve been using this definition to help my kids understand comparison in measurements. The examples made it super easy for them to grasp the concept! Great resource.Explore More TermsCircumference of A CircleLinear Pair of AnglesAssociative Property of MultiplicationDecagonRectilinear FigureTally MarkView All Math TermsRecommended Interactive LessonsCompare Same Numerator Fractions Using the Rules3Math3.NF.A.3dWrite Multiplication and Division Fact Families3Math3.OA.A.4, 3.OA.B.6Divide by 53Math3.OA.C.7Divide a number by itself3Math3.OA.C.7Divide by 93Math3.OA.C.7Use the Number Line to Round Numbers to the Nearest Ten3Math3.NBT.A.1View All Interactive LessonsRecommended VideosUse The Standard Algorithm To Subtract Within 1002Math2.NBT.B.5Understand and Estimate Liquid Volume3Math3.MD.A.2Use models and the standard algorithm to divide two-digit numbers by one-digit numbers4Math4.NBT.B.6Write and Interpret Numerical Expressions5Math5.OA.A.2Use Models and Rules to Divide Fractions by Fractions Or Whole Numbers6Math6.NS.A.1Prime Factorization6Math6.NS.B.4View All VideosRecommended WorksheetsCount And Write Numbers 0 to 5KMathK.CC.A.1, K.CC.A.3 K.CC.B.4aClassify and Count ObjectsKMathK.MD.B.3Subtract 0 and 1KMathK.OA.A.2, K.OA.A.5Use Models to Add Without Regrouping1Math1.NBT.C.4Word problems: multiplication and division of decimals5Math5.NBT.B.7Division Patterns of Decimals5Math5.NBT.A.2View All WorksheetsRecommended Coloring PagesSunhat with sunglasses and flip-flops on the sidePre-K – KAll SubjectsSingle breadfruit with a smiling facePre-K – KAll SubjectsTraffic light with a smiley face and sun in the backgroundPre-K – KAll SubjectsKing Cobra in a tree with a few leaves1 – 2All SubjectsSea dragon exploring a sunken ship3 – 4All SubjectsZebra standing in front of a backdrop of hills and trees3 – 4All SubjectsView All Coloring PagesRecommended BlogsEye-Opening Summer Slide Statistics Every Parent Should KnowOctober 12, 2025A Parent's Guide to the Benefits of Tutoring for Elementary StudentsOctober 11, 2025How to Change ABCya from Spanish to English: A Parent's GuideOctober 5, 2025Top Sites Like ABCya for Kids' Digital Learning FunOctober 4, 2025Age-Appropriate Chores for 10 Year Olds: Building Independence and Life SkillsSeptember 17, 2025The Best Tablet for Autistic Children: A Parent and Teacher's Guide to Making Smart ChoicesSeptember 17, 2025View All Blog PostsQUICK LINKSAbout UsPrivacy PolicyTerms of ServiceTOOLSHomework HelperGuide DesignerPodcast MakerPlan BuilderRESOURCESMath GlossaryEnglish GlossaryEnglish Language ArtsMathematicsScienceBook InsightsFun with WordsBlog© 2025 EDU.COM. All rights reserved.智能索引记录
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