Every object you see around you has length, width and height. Most of these objects also have a distinct bottom, top, front and back, so it is easy to tell which side forms its length and which forms its width. However, when three-dimensional objects are drawn on two-dimensional paper, it is not as easy to tell. Sometimes what looks like the object's length from the viewer's perspective may not be its length from another perspective. To determine which side is its true length, you must carefully examine the context of the measurements and consider the mathematical definition of the word "length."
Instructions
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1
Read the directions or examine the figure to see if any other dimensions are given. Length is always perpendicular to width and height.
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2
Identify the figure's longest side, if no other definitions are given. This is its mathematical length, regardless of whether it runs horizontally or vertically.
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3
Identify the horizontal side that is perpendicular to the length. This is the shape's width. If the length is a vertical side from your point of view, imagine what the shape would look like if it were turned so that its length was horizontal.