Final answer:
To find the ratio of the height to the width of the bookcase, both dimensions must be in the same units. The height in inches is 48, making the ratio 48:24, which simplifies to 2:1.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking to calculate the ratio of the height to the width of a bookcase where the height is 4 feet and the width is 24 inches. To compare these dimensions, they must be in the same units. First, we convert the height into inches: 4 feet x 12 inches/foot = 48 inches. Now, the ratio of the height to the width in inches is 48:24. This ratio can be simplified by dividing both terms by 24, giving us a simplified ratio of 2:1.