Final answer:
To calculate the number of squares of shingles needed, we need to determine the total area of the roof by calculating the areas of the rectangles and triangles. Then, we divide the total area by the area of one square of shingles to find the number of squares needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the number of squares of shingles needed, we first need to determine the total area of the roof. The home measures 28' x 40' with a 6-1/2 gable roof and 1' overhang on all ends. We can break down the roof into two rectangles and two triangles.
First, we calculate the area of the rectangles by multiplying the length and width. For the rectangles, the length is 28' and the width is 40'.
Next, we calculate the area of the triangles by multiplying half of the base length by the height. For the triangles, the base length is 40' and the height is 6-1/2'.
After finding the areas of the rectangles and triangles, we add them together to get the total area of the roof. To determine the number of squares of shingles needed, we divide the total area of the roof by the area of one square of shingles.