The most appropriate way to report length using a ruler that measures to the nearest 0.25 inches would be to ensure that the measurement is expressed in a way that reflects that level of precision.
Among the options provided, the correct choice is:
C. 14.25 inches
This measurement uses the precision of the ruler correctly, as it indicates a value that is exactly 0.25 inches, whereas the other options either do not reflect the 0.25 inch precision or are rounded improperly.