Final answer:
To determine the total length of lead strip required for a rectangular window measuring 23 3/4 inches by 12 1/2 inches, calculate the perimeter by adding twice the length and twice the width. The total length needed is 72 1/2 inches.
Step-by-step explanation:
The craftsperson needs to determine the total length of the lead strip required to go around the perimeter of a rectangular stained glass window that measures 23 3/4 inches long and 12 1/2 inches wide. To calculate the perimeter, you add the lengths of all four sides together. Since there are two lengths and two widths in a rectangle, the equation will be 2 x (Length + Width).
The first step is to convert the measurements to improper fractions to make the addition easier. For the length, 23 3/4 inches becomes 95/4 inches (since 23 x 4 + 3 = 95/4). For the width, 12 1/2 inches becomes 25/2 inches (because 12 x 2 + 1 = 25/2).
To find the perimeter:
- Add the lengths: (95/4) + (95/4) = 190/4 inches.
- Add the widths: (25/2) + (25/2) = 50/2 inches.
- Combine the total lengths and widths: (190/4) + (50/2) = (190/4) + (100/4) = 290/4 inches.
- Simplify the result: 290/4 inches is the same as 72 1/2 inches.
Therefore, the craftsperson will need 72 1/2 inches of lead strip to go around the entire perimeter of the stained glass window.