Fractions In Everyday Life 2

For anyone interested in the trades, fractions are an integral part of your job.  Construction and plumbing, especially, remain based on Imperial Measurements.  Pieces of lumber are still measured in inches and feet.  A two by four by twelve refers to a piece of lumber that measures 2" X 4" and is 12 feet in length.  The studs inside a wall are set 16 inches apart (centre to centre).  A 3/4" piece of copper pipe has an inside diameter of 3/4 of an inch.

Therefore, when measuring lumber to be cut, you must have an exact and accurate understanding of adding and subtracting fractions.  Such as when you need to cut a 22 1/2 piece from a 40 1/4 piece of 2 X 4.  Don't forget to leave a 1/4 allowance for the width of the saw blade when measuring.  That's what's meant when we're taught to "measure twice and cut once."  My dad was a carpenter and he could do all these measurements in his head!  Now he was a true Fractions Master!

If you start with an 8 foot length of 2 X 4 and cut a 60 7/8 piece, how much will be remaining?  (Don't forget to allow for the width of the saw blade).