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.

The builder needs to cut

inches off the block of wood.

Answer 1

Answer: $3.675\ in.$

Step-by-step explanation:

Given

Wood shrinks 5% over the period of time

The width of the gap is 3.5 inch

The length of the rectangular block is 5 inch

So, the builder cut the rectangular block 5% bigger to compensate for the shrinkage

Required length is

$\Rightarrow 3.5+5\%\times 3.5\\\Rightarrow 3.5+0.05\times 3.5\\\Rightarrow 3.5[1+0.05]\\\Rightarrow 3.675\ in.$