How long of a board should a carpenter buy if she needs to cut four sections, each 3 feet 8 inches long?

• A. 15 feet
• B. 14 feet
• C. 16 feet
• D. 12 feet

Answer: (A)

To determine the correct length of the board the carpenter needs, first convert the length of each section from feet and inches into just inches for easier calculations. Each section is 3 feet 8 inches long.

Since there are 12 inches in a foot, 3 feet is equivalent to 36 inches. Adding the 8 inches gives a total of 44 inches for one section.

Next, to find out the total length required for four sections, multiply the length of one section (44 inches) by the number of sections (4):

44 inches/section × 4 sections = 176 inches.

Now, convert this total length back into feet. Since there are 12 inches in a foot, you divide the total inches by 12:

176 inches ÷ 12 inches/foot = 14.67 feet.

Since carpenters typically buy boards in whole feet, round this number up to the nearest whole number, which is 15 feet.

Therefore, the carpenter should buy a board that is at least 15 feet long to ensure she can cut out the four sections of 3 feet 8 inches each. This is why 15 feet is the appropriate choice.