A line segment is measured with the help of a ruler and a pencil. Place the ruler such that ‘0’ on the ruler is at the starting point of a line segment, i.e. A. Read ruler mark at the other end B of the line segment.

The length of the line segment AB = 5 cm.

Let us learn to draw a line segment of length 8 cm.

1.   Place the ruler on a paper. Hold it down with one hand.

2.   Mark a point A, with a pencil, against the ‘0’ mark on your ruler.

3.   Mark point B against the 8 cm mark.

4.   Join the two points, while keeping the ruler steady.

Length of AB = 8 cm.