Final answer:
The nominal size of 3/4 x 2 1/2 lumber represents its thickness and width. In inches, the distance of 16.0 inches is equal to 40.64 centimeters.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nominal size of lumber is usually larger than its actual size due to milling and drying processes.
In this case, the given lumber size is 3/4 x 2 1/2. The 3/4 represents the thickness of the lumber, while the 2 1/2 represents the width.
To convert the distance of 16.0 inches to centimeters, we can use the conversion factor of 2.54 centimeters per inch.
Multiplying 16.0 inches by 2.54 centimeters/inch gives us 40.64 centimeters.