Question

You want to put a 4 inch thick layer of topsoil for a new 23 ft by 31 ft garden. The dirt store sells by the cubicyards. How many cubic yards will you need to order? The store only sells in increments of 1/4 cubic yards.

Answer 1

Remember that

1 ft=12 in

1 yd =36 in

so

The garden is 23 ft by 31 ft

Convert to inches

23 ft=23*12=276 in

31 ft=31*12=372 in

Find out the volume

V=(276)*(372)*(4)

V=410,688 in3

Convert to cubic yards

410,688 in3=410,688*(1/36)^3=8.80 cubic yards

Remember that

The store only sells in increments of 1/4 cubic yards

so

The volume is 9 cubic yards