A hardware store sells chain in three-foot increments. Lauren needed to repair swings in the park. She measured each length needing replacement: 5 ft 2 in., 9 ft 7 in., 8 ft 11 in., and 7 ft 5 inches. What is the length she must buy for each of the four swings?
A) 6 ft, 10 ft., 9 ft, 8 ft
B)5 ft, 10 ft., 9 ft, 7 ft
C)6 ft, 12 ft, 9 ft, 9 ft
D)6 ft, 9 ft, 9 ft, 9 ft

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the length of chain needed for each swing, we need to convert the lengths given in feet and inches to just feet.

- 5 ft 2 in. = 5.17 ft (rounded to two decimal places)
- 9 ft 7 in. = 9.58 ft
- 8 ft 11 in. = 8.92 ft
- 7 ft 5 in. = 7.42 ft

To round up to the nearest three-foot increment, we add 3 feet to each length (because it is always better to have a little extra than not enough).

- 5.17 + 3 = 8.17 ft --> round up to 9 ft
- 9.58 + 3 = 12.58 ft --> round up to 13 ft
- 8.92 + 3 = 11.92 ft --> round up to 12 ft
- 7.42 + 3 = 10.42 ft --> round up to 11 ft

So the length she must buy for each of the four swings is:

- 9 ft
- 13 ft
- 12 ft
- 11 ft

Therefore, the best choice is (C).

A Hardware Store Sells Chain in Three-Foot Increments