1. **Stating the problem:** Florence measured one side of their bedroom wall as 89 1/4 inches. We want to understand this measurement and possibly convert it to a simpler form. 2. **Understanding mixed numbers:** The measurement 89 1/4 inches is a mixed number, which means it has a whole number part (89) and a fractional part (1/4). 3. **Converting mixed number to improper fraction:** To work with this measurement mathematically, convert it to an improper fraction: $$89 \frac{1}{4} = \frac{(89 \times 4) + 1}{4} = \frac{356 + 1}{4} = \frac{357}{4}$$ 4. **Converting to decimal:** To get a decimal equivalent, divide numerator by denominator: $$\frac{357}{4} = 89.25$$ 5. **Summary:** The wall side length is 89 1/4 inches, which equals $$\frac{357}{4}$$ inches or 89.25 inches in decimal form.