Answer
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Step 1:To answer this question, we need to clarify what "2x^4" refers to in the context of lumber sizes.
In the United States, a 2x^4 is actually not 2 inches by 4 inches. Instead, it is nominal lumber, which means its dimensions before being cut and dried. After drying, the lumber shrinks slightly due to moisture loss. The actual size of a 2x^4 is 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches.
Step 2:: Understand the terminology
In the lumber industry, a 2x^4 is referred to as nominal lumber, which means it has a slightly larger size before drying.
Step 3:: Determine the actual size
After drying, the lumber shrinks, resulting in the following actual size for a 2x^4: \text{Actual width} = 2 \text{ inches (nominal) } - 0.1 \text{ inches (shrinkage)} = 1.5 \text{ inches} \text{Actual height} = 4 \text{ inches (nominal) } - 0.3 \text{ inches (shrinkage)} = 3.5 \text{ inches}
Final Answer
The actual size of a 2x^4 is 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches.
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