Final answer:
The shortest piece of lumber that Taher can use to cut the pieces for the flower bed border, accounting for the wood lost with each cut, is at least 2 inches longer than the sum of the lengths of the individual pieces. Without the specific lengths of the pieces, we can assume 178 inches is the shortest based on the options provided, if the total length of the individual pieces is equal to or less than 176 inches.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the shortest length of lumber Taher can use to cut the pieces for the flower bed border, we must account for the wood lost with each cut. If each cut takes an inch of wood off the length and assuming three pieces are needed with two cuts, then we need to add 2 inches to the total length required for the pieces.
Step 1: Calculate the total length needed
Let's assume the lengths of the three pieces needed for the border sum up to 'x' inches. Therefore, considering the loss from cuts, the equation will be x + 2 (since there are two cuts).
Step 2: Identify the shortest possible lumber
Without the actual lengths of the individual pieces, we can't calculate 'x'; however, we do know that the lumber should be at least 2 inches longer than the sum of the lengths of the individual pieces. Among the given options (178, 179, 180, 181, and 182 inches), the shortest piece that would accommodate the lengths of the three pieces plus the 2-inch loss from cutting would be 178 inches, if x is equal to or less than 176 inches. If x were more than 176 inches, even 178 inches of lumber would not suffice, and we would need to consider longer options.