Question

Cara is cutting construction paper into rectangles for a project. She needs to cut one rectangle that is 20 inches × 14

1
4
inches. She needs to cut another rectangle that is 10
1
3
inches by 10
1
4
inches. How many total square inches of construction paper does Cara need for her project?

Answer 1

The total amount of paper needed by Cara for the project is 390.9 inch².

Explanation:

Dimensions of the 1st rectangle is 20 inches ×
`14(1)/(4)` inches

That is, the dimensions are 20 inches ×
`(57)/(4)` inches

As, Area of a rectangle = Length × Width

So, we have,

Area of the 1st rectangle =
`20* (57)/(4)`

i.e. Area of the 1st rectangle =
`5* 57`

i.e. Area of the 1st rectangle = 285 inch²

Further, it is given that,

Dimensions of the 2nd rectangle is
`10(1)/(3)` inches ×
`10(1)/(4)` inches

That is, the dimensions are
`(31)/(3)` inches ×
`(41)/(4)` inches

Then, we get,

Area of the 2nd rectangle =
`(31)/(3)* (41)/(4)`

i.e. Area of the 2nd rectangle =
`(1271)/(12)`

i.e. Area of the 2nd rectangle = 105.9 inch²

Thus, the total area of the rectangles = 285 + 105.9 = 390.9 inch²

Hence, the total amount of paper needed by Cara for the project is 390.9 inch².