Question

A rectangular block of wood measures 5 inches wide. Over time, the width of the block of wood will shrink by 5%. A builder lets the block of

wood shrink. He wants to use it to fill a gap that measures 3.5 inches wide.
How much does the builder need to cut off the wood block so that it will fit exactly in the gap? Enter the answer in the box.

Answer 1

He will have to cut off 1.25 inches.

Explanation:

Take 5% of 5 inches

0.05(5)=0.25 inches

5 inches - 0.25 inches= 4.75 inches

4.75 inches is how wide the wood is after it shrinks.

Find how much he needs to cut off

4.75 inches - 3.5 inches=1.25 inches

He will need to cut off 1.25 inches in order for the block to fit exactly.