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A rule, which is also called a ruler, is a geometrical device that is used to measure distances between two points, technical drawing as well as in construction and engineering industries to draw straight and precise lines. Before the discovery of a ruler, measurement of distances was done by the use of primitive methods such as using human body parts like hands. However, a Germany scientist called Ekhard Unger discovered the use of a ruler in 2400 BC. The use of a ruler to measure distances has continued and evolved over time leading to the discovery and making of different types of rulers that are used to measure different lengths. Although ancient rulers were only made of wood, the evolution has seen the same rulers being made from different materials. Some rulers are made of woods just like the ancient rulers but with different and more advanced calibrations, while other rulers are made from plastic. Other materials used to make rulers include metals. The rulers that are made from metals are expected to last for a very long period of time. The rulers made from metals are used in the workshops. Therefore, there are several types of rulers that have been discovered over time, a meter rule being one of them.

A meter rule is a device or a type of a ruler that is used to measure the distance and length of different items. A meter rule, just like the name suggests, has a length of one meter, which is the same as one hundred centimeters. However, the same length of a meter rule is further divided into small units which are millimeters, where each centimeter is divided into ten millimeters. Therefore, a meter rule can be used to measure the smallest length up to one millimeter. However, apart from measuring distances, a meter rule is also used to help in drawing straight lines as well as cutting blades. The uses of a meter rule are discussed below.

Used as a Measurement Object

The science of measurement of length and widths of objects is all over the world and different nations and different parts of the world use different terms to refer to these measurements. For example, in the United States of America, there is the use of customary units to measure lengths. The customary units include miles, yards, inches, and feet. However, other nation worldwide uses the metric measurements that are used in almost every country in the world. The metric measurements are kilometers, meters, centimeters, centimeters and other units. However, despite the difference in the names, both the customary and metric units of measurements share the same basic principles of measurement.

A meter, one of the metric units of measurement is the standard unit of measurement and all other units are named and measured in reference to a meter. Therefore, a meter rule is an important instrument used in the measurement of lengths, widths, and heights. However, in order to measure the distance from one place to another, the person has to choose the appropriate instrument because you cannot measure thousands of kilometers using a meter rule. A meter rule is, therefore, used to measure reasonably shorter distances, on the ground. The same instrument can also be used to measure very small distances such as centimeters and millimeters. Therefore, there is a need to understand the relationship between a meter and other metric units of measuring lengths.

All other metric units are measured and named in reference to a meter. For example, from the word centimeter, the prefix centi gives us a clue that there are one hundred centimeters in one meter while from the word millimeter, the prefix milli shows that there are one thousand millimeters in one meter. From the two comparisons, therefore, we can conclude that there are ten millimeters in every centimeter. Also, this basic unit of measurement, a meter, can be compared to customary units. For example, one meter is approximately 3.3 feet. Understanding the relationship between a meter and other units helps in measuring longer distances and mathematically converting the obtained units into the standard unit.

When using a meter rule to determine the distance from one place to another or to obtain the length of an object, you have to place the meter rule on the object. The first step is to make sure that the starting point of the object is aligned with the zero marks on the meter rule. The next step is to read reach the edge of the object that is being measured and obtain the reading on the meter rule. However, since the objects being measured will not at all times have an exact figure such as one meter, ninety centimeters or another constant figure, there are some calculations that need to be done. For example, when an object has two meters, ten centimeters and five millimeters, the latter two units have to be converted into the standard unit, which is the meter.

Aid to Draw Straight Lines

To draw a perfectly straight line using free hands can be difficult sometimes, hence the use of meter rules. Apart from measuring distance, a meter rule can also be used on different occasions to help people draw straight and precise lines. The rule has long, strong and straight edges that help the user to draw perfect and straight lines as long as the meter rule is in good condition. A ruler that is in good condition can be a new ruler that has just been bought or made. The ruler must not have cracks on the edge and has to be perfectly straight in order to give perfect and straight lines.

When using a meter rule to draw a line, the user has to make sure that the ruler is long enough to be able to cover the whole distance that is supposed to be drawn. In this case, you have to use a meter rule on objects that are not longer than one meter to ensure precision. Using a meter rule to draw lines on an object longer than the ruler means that the user will have to reposition the ruler after drawing a one-meter line. The repositioning of the ruler after each drawing will lead to errors where the line is drawn will not be perfectly straight. The error that will occur due to the displacement may vary depending on the size of the edge of the ruler, that is, the thickness and the type of the drawing implement. To obtain a better line, the drawing implement must have a sharp pointed drawing end. A pencil is recommended when drawing lines using a ruler. The meter rule must also have a thin edge in order to increase the accuracy of drawing. Therefore, a meter rule is an important instrument that helps people in drawing straight and precise lines.

Cutting Straight Lines

There are many objects that have to be cut in perfectly straight lines before they are put to use, such as the manila papers. Cutting these objects without a guide leads to making ugly and shapeless objects. However, a meter rule can be used as an aid to cut these objects in straight and perfect shapes that are needed. a meter rule is used to cut the objects in a straight line the same way it is used to draw a straight line on objects.