Question

as a carpenter, you need to build a rectangular bookshelf for a client. the client wants the distance between the top of the bookshelf and the ceiling to be at least 2\frac{1}{2} feet. the floor - to - ceiling height of the room is 9\frac{1}{2} feet. what is the maximum height, in feet, of the bookshelf?
a 3\frac{1}{2}
b 7
c 11\frac{1}{2}
d 12
e 23\frac{3}{4}

Explanation:

Step1: Identify given values

Room height is $9\frac{1}{2}$ feet and minimum ceiling - bookshelf distance is $2\frac{1}{2}$ feet.

Step2: Set up subtraction

To find maximum bookshelf height, subtract minimum ceiling - bookshelf distance from room height. So we calculate $9\frac{1}{2}-2\frac{1}{2}$.

Step3: Perform subtraction

$9\frac{1}{2}-2\frac{1}{2}=\frac{19}{2}-\frac{5}{2}=\frac{19 - 5}{2}=\frac{14}{2}=7$.

Answer:

B. 7