Answer:
303.63 sq inches
Step-by-step explanation:
We need to find the area of the two rectangles he cuts and add them together.
The area of a rectangle is given as:
A = L * B
The first rectangle is 16 inches × 12 1/4 inches. Its area is:
A = 16 * 12 1/4 = 16 * 49/4 = 196 sq inches
The second rectangle is 10 1/2 inches by 10 1/4 inches. Its area is:
A = 10 1/2 * 10 1/4 = 21/2 * 41/4 = 107.63 sq inches
The total square inches of construction paper that he needs is:
196 + 107.63 = 303.63 sq inches