Final answer:
The correct total length of I-beam needed after accounting for kerf lost in the cuts is approximately 45 inches, which is option b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is option b. Approximately 45 inches. To determine the total length of I-beam needed, we must add the lengths of the three pieces, accounting for the kerf, which is 1/16 inch, that is lost during each cut. There are two cuts in total since we have three pieces, thus we subtract 1/16 inch twice.
- First length: 5 7/8 inches
- Second length: 8 9/16 inches
- Third length: 22 15/16 inches
- Total kerf: 2/16 inches (which simplifies to 1/8 inch)
To add the lengths, first sum the whole numbers (5 + 8 + 22 = 35), then sum the fractions (7/8 + 9/16 + 15/16 - 1/8). The total of the fractions is 7/8 + 9/16 + 15/16 - 1/8 = 14/16 + 18/16 + 15/16 - 2/16 = 45/16. Now reduce the fraction 45/16 to a mixed number, which is 2 13/16 inches.
Finally, add 35 inches to 2 13/16 inches to get 37 13/16 inches as the total length of I-beam needed before considering the kerf removal. However, since kerf has already been considered in the calculation, we don't need to make any further adjustments.
Since 37 13/16 inches is slightly less than 38 inches, the answer is approximately 45 inches when rounded to the nearest whole number.