What is the total length of the material when cutting a piece of metal into three pieces: one 16 3/8 inch, one 8 3/8 inch, and allowing for cuts?

• A. 27 3/8
• B. 28 3/8
• C. 29 3/8
• D. 30 3/8

Answer: (C)

To find the total length of the material needed when cutting a piece of metal into three pieces, it’s essential to add the lengths of each of the cut pieces and consider any allowances for the cuts themselves.

First, convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions for easier addition:

• The length of the first piece, 16 3/8 inches, can be converted to an improper fraction: (16 \times 8 + 3 = 128 + 3 = 131/8) inches.

• The length of the second piece, 8 3/8 inches, converts to: (8 \times 8 + 3 = 64 + 3 = 67/8) inches.

Now, we add the two lengths:

[

\frac{131}{8} + \frac{67}{8} = \frac{131 + 67}{8} = \frac{198}{8} = 24 6/8 \text{ or } 24 3/4 \text{ inches}

]

Next, to determine the total length of the material, we must also account for the material lost due to the kerf (the thickness of the cut). While the exact ker