Final answer:
Yes, the shelf can hold the set of encyclopedias.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks whether a bookshelf that is 40 inches long can hold a set of encyclopedias that consist of 10 books, with each book averaging inch thick. To determine whether the shelf can hold the encyclopedias, we need to calculate the total thickness of the books and compare it to the length of the shelf. The total thickness of the books is inch * 10 books = 10 inches. Since the total thickness of the books is less than the length of the shelf (10 inches < 40 inches), the shelf can hold the set of encyclopedias. So the answer is Yes.