Question

Mr. Keller's art class designed a mural for their school's cafeteria. First, they tested their idea

with a 2-fluid-ounce tube of paint and a small canvas. They needed half of the tube to cover
the 0.25-square-foot canvas. Now, they feel ready to paint the actual 48-square-foot mural.
How many gallons of paint should Mr. Keller's class buy for their mural?

Answer 1

Answer: 1.5 gallons

Explanation:

(1/2) of a 2oz tube covers 0.25ft^2. Make this into a conversion factor:

1 oz/0.25ft^2

4oz/ft^2

They have a 48 ft^2 mural. Assuming no mistakes in painting, they will need:

(48 ft^2)*(1 oz/0.25ft^2) = 192 oz [Note how the ft^2 units cancel]

There are 128oz/gallon. Make this a conversion factor:

(gallon/128oz)

Convert 192 oz to gallons: (192 oz)*(gallon/128oz) = 1.5 gallons