Final answer:
After correctly calculating the combined length of the three known pieces (1.5 ft + 1 ft + 1.75 ft = 4.25 ft), and subtracting this from the total length of the wood (10 ft - 4.25 ft), the length of the fourth piece should be 5.75 feet. However, this is not one of the provided options, indicating a possible error in the question or its options.
Step-by-step explanation:
The students are working with a 10-foot-long piece of wood and need to cut it into four pieces. We know three of the pieces measure 1.5 feet, 1 foot, and 1.75 feet. To find the length of the fourth piece, we calculate the sum of the lengths of the three pieces and subtract that from the total length of the wood.
1.5 feet + 1 foot + 1.75 feet = 4.25 feet
This is the combined length of the three pieces.
Now subtract the total length of the wood by the combined length of the three pieces:
10 feet - 4.25 feet = 5.75 feet
Since 5.75 feet is not an option, we look back and realize we’ve made an error. The correct subtraction should be:
10 feet - 4.25 feet = 5.75 feet
However, this seems to be a typo, as 5.75 feet is not one of the options provided. Let's recheck our addition:
1.5 feet + 1 foot + 1.75 feet = 4.25 feet is correct, but we must subtract this from the original length:
10 feet - 4.25 feet = 5.75 feet
It seems we have discovered a discrepancy with the provided options. If the sum of the already cut pieces is indeed 4.25 feet and the entire length of the piece of wood is 10 feet, then the correct answer should be 5.75 feet for the fourth piece.