Final answer:
To find the total length of copper tubing used, multiply the length of one piece (converted to an improper fraction, 5/2 inches) by the number of pieces (10), resulting in a total length of 25 inches.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student asked how to calculate the total length of copper tubing used if a mechanic cuts 10 pieces, each measuring 2 ¹/2 inches long. To find the total length, we use multiplication because each piece of copper tubing is 2 ¹/2 inches, and there are 10 identical pieces.
- Convert 2 ¹/2 inches into an improper fraction. 2 ¹/2 inches is the same as (2 × 2) + 1 = 5/2 inches.
- Multiply the length of one piece of tubing by the total number of pieces: 5/2 inches × 10.
- Compute the total length: 5/2 inches × 10 = 25 inches. So, the total length of copper tubing used is 25 inches.