A Welder Has Two Pieces of Half-Inch Pipe, One of Length

Multiple Choice

A welder has two pieces of half-inch pipe, one of length $8 \frac { 3 } { 8 }$ ft and another of length $9 \frac { 7 } { 8 }$ ft. What is the total length of the two welded together?

A) $19 \frac { 1 } { 2 }$ ft
B) $18 \frac { 5 } { 8 }$ ft
C) $18 \frac { 2 } { 3 }$ ft
D) $18 \frac { 1 } { 4 }$ ft
E) $19 \frac { 1 } { 4 }$ ft