Problem solving

Question

You want to put a 3 inch thick layer of topsoil for a new 22 ft by 33 ft garden. The dirt store sells by the cubic yards. How many cubic yards will you need to order? The store only sells in increments of 1/4 cubic yards.

____ cubic yards

Answer 1

3 inches = 1/4 of a foot

= 1/4 x 1/12 of a yard

= 1/48 of a yard

Volume needed is 22/3 x 33/3 x 1/48 cubic yards

= 22/3 x 11 x 1/48

= 242/144 = almost 1.69 cubic yards. You need to buy 1.75 cubic yards

If the smallest you can buy is 1/4 cubic yards, then you need to buy 1 3/4 cubic yards

or 7 of the 1/4 cubic yard increments