Juan plans to build a bookcase to store his paperback books, DVDs, and CDs. He has lumber that he will us for the sides and back of the bookcase. The bookcase will have five shelves, and each shelf will be 2 1/2 feet long.

Juan bought a piece of lumber that is 18 feet long. Does he have enough lumber to make the five shelves?

he will need 5(2 1/2) = 12 1/2 feet for the shelves