Final answer:
The distance between the outer edges of the top plate, measured at right angles to the ridge board, refers to a perpendicular measurement in a roof construction scenario, typically measured with a ruler or tape measure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distance between the outer edges of the top plate, measured at right angles to the ridge board, can be calculated using the given information. Since the plates are placed on adjacent sides of a square with a 1-meter space between the corner of the square and the plate, the distance between the outer edges will be the total width of both plates plus the 1-meter space.
The student's question is asking about a measurement involving the construction of a roof. Specifically, they are asking for the distance between the outer edges of the top plate, measured perpendicular (at right angles) to the ridge board. In a typical roof structure, the top plate is the horizontal element located at the top of the wall where the rafters rest. To measure this distance accurately, you would use a ruler or tape measure to find the length between the outermost edges of the plate, ensuring the measurement is perpendicular to the ridge board, which is the central horizontal beam that the rafters connect to at the peak of the roof.