2 A bush in Edgar’s yard was feet
tall. Edgar trimmed foot off the top.
How many feet tall was the bush after
Edgar trimmed it?

To find the height of the bush after Edgar trimmed it, we start with the original height of feet, which can be converted to an improper fraction:

Next, we need to subtract the trimmed height of foot from the original height:

To perform this subtraction, we must have the same denominator. The least common denominator of 2 and 8 is 8. Converting :

Now, we can subtract:

Finally, converting back to a mixed number gives us:

So, the height of the bush after trimming is .

Throughout history, measurements like feet, inches, and yards have been key for construction, tailoring, and various trades. The creation of standardized measurements stems from the need for a shared understanding of size, particularly during the Middle Ages in Europe, where local units varied widely!

In practical life, ensuring accuracy when trimming plants or doing home improvement projects can save time and money. Always measure twice before cutting. And to avoid common mistakes, keep a calculator handy for adding and subtracting fractional heights—those pesky fractions can sneak in and lead to surprises if not accounted for properly!