Answer
The pipe is short by $\frac{1}{12}$ inch
Work Step by Step
$2\frac{1}{2} + 3\frac{1}{4}$
$= 2\frac{2}{4} + 3\frac{1}{4}$
$=5\frac{3}{4}$
$15\frac{2}{3} - 5\frac{3}{4}$
$= 15\frac{8}{12} - 5\frac{9}{12}$
$= 9\frac{11}{12}$
$10-9\frac{11}{12} = \frac{1}{12}$
