Calculate the minimum and maximum possible areas of 18ft by 27.7ft

Question

• I was asked this in my math class today and couldn't find the answer anywhere! I've tried multiple times and even looked up how to do the problem correctly, every answer would be wrong. it would mean a great deal to me if you could help me out!

Answer 1

I am assuming you are asking for area of triangle.

 

To find the minimum possible area, subtract the greatest possible error from each measurement before calculating.
To find the maximum possible area, add the greatest possible error to each measurement before calculating.

 

Since 18ft is a whole number, the measurement was made to the nearest feet. Therefore, the greatest possible error will be half of 1 ft. Which is 0.5 ft.

 

For 27.7 ft, the measurement was made to the nearest tenth of the number. Therefore, the greatest possible error will be half of 0.1 ft, which is 0.05 ft.

 

 

To find the minimum possible area, subtract the greatest possible error from each measurement, then multiply.

 

Min. Area = min. Length x min. Width

Min. Area = (18 - 0.5)(27.7 - 0.05)

Min. Area = 483.875 square ft

 

To find the maximum possible area, add the greatest possible error to each measurement, then multiply.

 

Max. Area = max. Length x max. Width

Max. Area = (18 + 0.5)(27.7 + 0.05)

Max. Area = 513.375