He is 6 inches too short this year because 54 - 48 = <<54-48=6>>6

He will naturally grow 4 inches taller because 12 x (1/3) = <<12*(1/3)=4>>4

He needs to grow 2 inches from hanging because 6 - 4 = <<6-4=2>>2

He needs to hang for 24 hours because 2 / (1/12) = <<2/(1/12)=24>>24

He needs to hang for 2 hours a month because 24 / 12 = <<24/12=2>>2

# Answer

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<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Alex needs to be 54 inches tall to ride the newest roller coaster at the theme park. He is 48 inches tall this year. He hears a rumor that for every hour he hangs upside down, he can grow 1/12 of an inch. Normally he grows 1/3 of an inch per month. On average, how many hours does he need to hang upside down each month to be tall enough next year to ride the rollercoaster?
Please reason step by step, and put your final answer within \boxed{{}}.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant

user
2
Alex needs to be 54 inches tall to ride the newest roller coaster at the theme park. He is 48 inches tall this year. He hears a rumor that for every hour he hangs upside down, he can grow 1/12 of an inch. Normally he grows 1/3 of an inch per month. On average, how many hours does he need to hang upside down each month to be tall enough next year to ride the rollercoaster?
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