A certain type of board is sold only in lengths of multiples of 2 feet, from 6 feet to 24 feet. A builder needs a larger quantity of this type of board in 5 ½ foot lengths. For minimum waste, the lengths in feet to be ordered should be:
(A) 6 (B) 12 (C) 18
(D) 22 (E) 24

Question

A certain type of board is sold only in lengths of multiples of 2 feet, from 6 feet to 24 feet. A builder needs a larger quantity of this type of board in 5 ½ foot lengths. For minimum waste, the lengths in feet to be ordered should be:
(A) 6 (B) 12 (C) 18
(D) 22 (E) 24

atlas · Answer

22 of course................since he can cut 22 into two equal parts of 11 each........and then cut 11 ft into two equal parts of 5 (1/2) feet each