Natalie is making a tablecloth for a circular table 3 feet in diameter. The finished tablecloth needs to hang down 5 inches over the edge of the table all the way around. To finish the edge of the tablecloth, Natalie will fold under and sew down 1 inch of the material all around the edge. Natalie is going to use a single piece of rectangular fabric that is 60 inches wide. What is the shortest length of fabric, in inches, Natalie can use to make the tablecloth without putting any separate pieces of fabric together?

I have no idea how to go about solving this problem. Thanks in advance.

4 answers

The diameter of the table cloth is 36 inches (3 feet) + 10 inches (overhang) + 2 inches (hem).

How many inches is that altogether? If you post your answer, we'll be glad to check it.
I guess my problem is visualizing the tablecloth. The answer is 48 inches, but I don't understand why there are two edges. Since it's a rectangle, would you multiply everything by four?

Wouldn't it be 36 + 20 + 4. I have the answer to the problem, and it is 48 (so I trust you :)) but I'm just trying to understand how to get that answer.
Your errors are in determining the additional numbers. Five inches on each edge adds a total of 10 inches to the diameter. The hem will be folded over, so you only need one additional inch on each side for the diameter.

36 + 10 + 2 = 48

I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.
I need help with this math. I'm not sure how to do it. It's to confusing!!