Question

Subtract 14 inches from 4 feet, 2 inches

Answer 1

Saying "4 ft, 2 inches" is the same as saying "4 feet plus 2 inches"

1 foot = 12 inches

4 feet = 48 inches (multiply both sides by 4)

4 feet, 2 inches = 4 ft + 2 in

4 ft, 2 in = 48 in + 2 in

4 ft, 2 in = 50 in

The expression "4 ft, 2 inches" is the same as "50 inches"

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Now we can subtract off 14 inches from this

50 - 14 = 36

We're left with 36 inches which converts to 3 feet because

36/12 = 3

or you can think of it like this

1 ft = 12 in

3 ft = 36 in (multiply both sides by 3)

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Answer: 3 feet

Answer 2

1 foot = 12 inches
x feet = (12*x) inches
4 ft + 2 inches = (4*12)+2 = 50 inches
Subtract 14: 50-14 = 36in
36/12=3 feet