How wide is the box

Question

there are 3 switches In a panel. Each switch is 2 1/2 inches wide. There is a 1 1/4 inch clearance between each switch and 3 7/8 between any switch and the edge of the panel. How wide is the box

Answer 1

This I solve it as follows:
I will assume that the three switches are in a horizontal row.
3 switches, 3* (2(1/2)) = 7.5 inches
2 spaces 2*(1(1/4)) = 2.5 inches
2 sides 2*(3(7/8)) = (31/4)
Adding all this we get: (31/4) + (15/2) + (5/2) = (31/4) +(30/4) + (10/4) = 71/4 =
(17(3/4)) inches = 17.75 inches is the width of the box.

Answer 2

This I solve it as follows:
I will assume that the three switches are in a horizontal row.
3 switches, 3* (2(1/2)) = 7.5 inches
2 spaces 2*(1(1/4)) = 2.5 inches
2 sides 2*(3(7/8)) = (31/4)
Adding all this we get: (31/4) + (15/2) + (5/2) = (31/4) +(30/4) + (10/4) = 71/4 =
(17(3/4)) inches = 17.75 inches is the width of the box.

Answer 3

Try to draw a diagram of what the question is asking you and label all the information given.  That should point you in the correct direction of answering the problem.