The ceiling is 8 feet 4 inches from the floor. Max can reach up to 7 feet 2 inches when he raises his arm. If he stands on a table that is 9 inches tall, he falls short by ___________ inches to reach the ceiling.

The correct answer is: 5

1feet = 12inch
Ceiling height from the floor = 8 feet 4 inches = ((8 × 12) + 4) inches = 100 inches
Max's height = 7feet 2inches = ((7 12) + 2)inches = 86 inches
Max height + table = 86inches +9 inches  = 95 inches.
He falls short by (100 - 95)inches = 5 inches.