Answer: 4.95 inches
Subtract: 36 - 31.05 = 4.95
Explanation:
Whoever created this question hasn't done much real electrical work!
An outlet (also known as a receptacle) usually requires about 4 to 6 inches of wire within the junction box to make the connections, depending on what else may be connected in the box. We don't have to measure to 0.05 of an inch. The insulation may have to be stripped precisely to 3/8, 1/2 or 5/8 inch for connections.
The electrician used 3 feet of cable between junction boxes, and had 8 ¹/₂ inches pulled through the junction box. She needed 4 inches to connect the receptacle. How much the excess did she have to cut off?
Math questions should be realistic.