A fence post problem - Math Central

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Question from Nicole, a student:

In Susan's rectangular garden plot, she put 12 posts on the long sides
and 8 posts on the short sides. How many posts did she use altogether?
(The answer is not 40.)

Hi Nicole,

Draw a rectangle 12 cm by 8 cm to represent Susan's garden. Put a dot at 1 cm intervals along the long sides to represent the 12 posts. Put a dot at 1 cm intervals along the short sides to represent the 8 posts.

Susan's garden plot

Count the number of posts.

Penny

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