Question

21 ft 9 1/2 - 22 ft 2 3/4

Answer 1

To perform the subtraction \( 21 \text{ ft } 9 \frac{1}{2} - 22 \text{ ft } 2 \frac{3}{4} \), let's first convert the measurements to a common format with feet and inches.

1. Convert both lengths to inches:
- \( 21 \text{ ft } 9 \frac{1}{2} \):
\[
21 \times 12 + 9.5 = 252 + 9.5 = 261.5 \text{ inches}
\]
- \( 22 \text{ ft } 2 \frac{3}{4} \):
\[
22 \times 12 + 2.75 = 264 + 2.75 = 266.75 \text{ inches}
\]

2. Now perform the subtraction:
\[
261.5 - 266.75 = -5.25 \text{ inches}
\]

3. Convert -5.25 inches back to feet and inches:
- Since -5.25 is negative, it indicates we have 5.25 inches below zero:
\[
-5.25 \text{ inches} = -5 \text{ inches } - 0.25 \text{ inches}
\]

Thus, \( 21 \text{ ft } 9 \frac{1}{2} - 22 \text{ ft } 2 \frac{3}{4} = -5 \text{ inches } - 0.25 \text{ inches} \), or simply **-5.25 inches**.

Alternatively, you could report it as "5.25 inches short" as appropriate based on your context.