How is it the 21st century because 10 teachers explained and you still don't understand and you feel so dumb?

Answer 1

In 1900, it was the 20th centry and in 1800 it was the 19th century and so on.

A century is 100 years; the term represents a period of 100 years.

0 -- 100 = 1st century

100 -- 200 = 2nd century

200 -- 300 = 3rd century

300 -- 400 = 4th century

and so on....

1800 -- 1900 = 19th century

1900 -- 2000 = 21st century

2000 -- 2100 = 22nd century

These are 100 year periods:

1. start at any even 100 "period" in years
2. 1500 to 1600 (17th century)
3. 1600 to 1700 (18th century)
4. 1700 to 1800 (19th century)
5. 1800 to 1900 (20th century)
6. 1900 to 2000 (21st century)
7. 2000 to 2100 (22nd century)
8. etc.

However, if it was 1964 it would be in the 20th century. A century is always ONE number higher than the last year of the 100 year period.

So 2016 (look at the 20 and ignore the rest) is the 21st century.

If your teacher talks about the US Civil War, which started in 1861, those soldiers lived in the 19th century. (Again, look only at the first 2 numbers and mentally change it to the next highest number to get the century.)

Answer 2

Please see this very detailed explanation of centuries. The page contains 3 black and white images--- right click on one and choose "Open in New Tab". Or click on it, then when done, use your browser's back button to return to the page. There are two drill sheets at the bottom you can practice with, too.