gsm8k-0023

# GSM8K Problem 24

A candle melts by 2 centimeters every hour that it burns. How many centimeters shorter will a candle be after burning from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM?

Reason step by step, then give ONLY the final answer on the last line as \boxed{ANSWER}.

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Step 1: Determine the time duration of burning.
The candle burns from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Duration = 5:00 PM - 1:00 PM = 4 hours

Step 2: Determine the rate of melting.
The candle melts by 2 centimeters every hour.

Step 3: Calculate the total melting over the burning time.
In 4 hours, with the candle melting 2 centimeters per hour:
Total melting = 2 cm/hour × 4 hours = 8 centimeters

Step 4: State the final answer.
The candle will be 8 centimeters shorter after burning from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

$\boxed{8}$