Question

An $8.5$-by-$11$-inch piece of paper is folded in half repeatedly (never being unfolded), each time shortening what was then the longer side. What is the length of the longest side, in inches, immediately after the second fold

Answer 1

5.5

Explanation:

For the first fold, we cut the 11-inch side in half, resulting in an 8.5-by-5.5-inch piece. After the second fold, we have a 4.25 by 5.5 piece after halving the 8.5 inch side. The length is 5.5 inches.