story problem

Question

A rectangular table is 5 1/2 ft long and 3 ft wide. If each place setting is at least 2 ft wide what is the greatest number of people that can sit at the table

Answer 1

perimeter of table = 5.5ft + 3ft + 5.5ft + 3ft = 11 + 6 ft = 17ft

17ft / 2ft = 8 

 

but that is wrong becuase 5.5ft only accommodates 2 settings and 3 ft, one.

So the answer is 6