Tom had a board that was 4 ft. 5 in. long. He cut off a piece that was 1 ft. 9 in. long. How

Question

much board does he have left?

Answer 1

1 foot = 12 inches so;
4 ft 5 in = 3 ft (12+5) in = 3 ft 17 in
so
3 ft 17 in - 1 ft 9 in = 2 ft 8 in

Answer 2

4 5/12 - 1 9/12 = 53/12 - 21/12 = 32/12 = 2 8/12 = 2 ft. 8 in.