Chapter 3.5, Problem 45STP

To determine

To calculate the total thickness of the wood and the padding.

Answer to Problem 45STP

D) $\text{2}\frac{1}{2}\text{in}\text{.}$

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

The given statement is:

“A piece of wood is $1\frac{9}{16}\text{inches}$ thick. A layer of padding $\frac{15}{16}\text{inches}$ thick is placed on top of the wood. What is the total thickness of the wood and the padding?”

The given options are:

A) $1\frac{3}{8}\text{in}\text{.}$

B) $1\frac{15}{16}\text{in}\text{.}$

C) $1\frac{1}{2}\text{in}\text{.}$

D) $\text{2}\frac{1}{2}\text{in}\text{.}$

The total thickness of the wood and the padding can be calculated by:

  $\begin{array}{l}1\frac{9}{16}+\frac{15}{16}\\ =\frac{25}{16}+\frac{15}{16}\left[\text{Convert into improper fractions}\right]\\ =\frac{25+15}{16}\left[\text{Add the numerators}\right]\\ =\frac{40}{16}\left[\text{Simplify}\right]\\ =\frac{5}{2}\left[\text{Convert into mixed fractions}\right]\\ =2\frac{1}{2}\text{in}\text{.}\end{array}$

Hence, the total thickness of the wood and the padding is $2\frac{1}{2}\text{in}\text{.}$