Question

A bookshelf at a library is 4 feet 1 inch. There are 14 copies of the same book on the shelf, which fit the shelf exactly. What is the width of the books?

A. 3 4/12 inches
B. 3 inches
C. 3 1/2 inches
D. 3 9/12 inches

Answer 1

To find the width of the books, the bookshelf length in inches (49 inches) is divided by the number of books (14), which results in the width being 3 1/2 inches (Option C).

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks us to calculate the width of the books that fit perfectly on a bookshelf at a library that is 4 feet 1 inch long, given that there are 14 copies of the same book. Since 1 foot equals 12 inches, we first convert the entire length of the shelf to inches:

• 4 feet × 12 inches/foot = 48 inches
• 48 inches + 1 inch = 49 inches total

Dividing the total length of the shelf by the number of books gives us the width of one book:

• 49 inches ÷ 14 books = 3.5 inches per book

Thus, the width of the books is 3 1/2 inches (Option C).