Question 1166153
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Supposedly this is supposed to be viewed as a purely mathematical exercise, without any consideration of the actual real situation.<br>
So one tutor interprets the problem in one logical way, placing one plant in each of the 27 1-foot intervals.<br>
In reality, it is possible that plants can be at each end of the 27-foot garden, which means Maria could plant 28 plants in the garden.<br>
It is also possible that physical constraints require a 1-foot clearance from each end of the garden, which means there would only be enough room for 26 plants.<br>
So in the real situation the problem is not defined well enough.<br>
And given that, it is probably best to go with the elementary interpretation which allows room for 27 plants.<br>