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Measurement
Lesson 7
Attributes and Dimensions
 Objectives/Vocab/Tips > Examples 1 | 2 | 3 > Practice: 1 | 2 | 3 > Reflection

Example 1:

The new theme park has a new attraction for visitors called the House Of Mirrors. To get the House of Mirrors ready for all of the park goers, they need to cover the four walls, ceiling, and floor with mirrors. The room is 15 feet tall, 20 feet long, and 8 feet wide.

  • How many square feet of mirrors are needed to complete the room?
  1. 2400 sq. ft.
  2. 1160 sq. ft.
  3. 1440 sq. ft.
  4. 4000 sq. ft.

The answer to this problem is letter B, 1160 sq. ft. Let's look at how you can solve this problem.

First, you may want to make a simple drawing of the room, making a 3D box to show the room.

Next, find the area of the six sides.

There are two sides that are 15 ft. x 20 ft. These are the larger side walls.

A = l x w
A = 20 x 15
A = 300 sq. ft.
2 sides x 300 sq. ft = 600 sq. ft.

There are 2 sides, the ends, that are 15 ft. x 8 ft.

A = l x w
A = 15 x 8
A = 120 sq. ft.
2 sides x 120 sq. ft. = 240 sq. ft.

The ceiling and floor are 20 ft. x 8 ft.

A = l x w
A = 20 x 8
A = 160 sq. ft.
2 sides x 160 sq. ft. = 320 sq. ft.

Now, add up the areas of the three sets of walls in the room.

600 + 240 + 320
1160 sq. ft.

Therefore, the final answer is B, 1160 sq. ft.

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