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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We are told that a candle melts (burns) by **2 centimeters per hour**.

We need to find how much shorter the candle is after burning from **1:00 PM to 5:00 PM**.

### Step 1: Calculate the duration of burning
From 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM is:

$$
5:00\ \text{PM} - 1:00\ \text{PM} = 4\ \text{hours}
$$

### Step 2: Multiply time by burn rate
Burn rate = 2 cm/hour  
Time = 4 hours

$$
\text{Total melt} = 2\ \text{cm/hour} \times 4\ \text{hours} = 8\ \text{cm}
$$

### Final Answer:
The candle will be **8 centimeters shorter**.

$$
\boxed{8}
$$