Well, you need to add together how much wood you need. one side is 4 1/4 long & the other side is 5 1/8 long. you need to find a common denominator before you add. multiply the numerator and denominator of the first number by 2. 4 1/4 × 2 = 4 2/8 multiply the numerator and denominator of the second number by 1 because you already have common denominators. 5 1/8 × 1 = 5 1/8 now you can add. 4 2/8 + 5 1/8 = 9 3/8 9 3/8 does not simplify. therefore Mrs. Edwards only needs to buy the smallest amount of wood available, which is 12 inches.
