When something is being described as  long or short we are referring to an object's length. A B When you are comparing the length of two objects or lines,  the one that is bigger in length is longer.  The one that is smaller in length is shorter. Which line is longer?  A or B?  Explanation Line B is drawn passed Line A. Therefore, Line B is longer. Which line is shorter?  A or B? Explanation A does not meet up with or pass line B. Therefore, line A is shorter.

Here are two lines.  Look at their length. Which line is shorter?  Which line is longer? A B Click on the arrow to check your answer. Line A is shorter. Line B is longer. Explanation of the shorter line Line B is shorter because it does not pass Line A. Explanation of longer line Line A is longer because it is drawn passed Line B.