problem solving

Question

You want to put a 5 inch thick layer of topsoil for a new 20 ft by 18 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.

Answer 1

20 ft by 18 ft by 5 inches

= 20/3 yds by 6 yds by 5/36 yds

= 100/18=50/9 yds

= 5 5/9 yds^3^3

= 5.55... cubic yards

buy 5 3/4 cubic yards if they only sell by the 1/4 yd^3

= 23 1/4 yd^3 increments