If Nail A is about 2 inches long and Nail B is about 1/2 inch long, what is their approximate difference in length?

• A. 1/2 inch
• B. 1 1/2 inch
• C. 1 inch
• D. 2 inches

Answer: (B)

When comparing two lengths, find the difference by subtracting the smaller length from the larger one. Here, 2 inches minus 1/2 inch equals 1.5 inches, which is written as the mixed number 1 1/2 inches. So the approximate difference in length is 1 1/2 inches. This isn’t 1/2 inch (that would require a smaller gap), nor 1 inch or 2 inches (that would correspond to different lengths for the shorter nail).