Answer:
<em>The family will need to purchase 187 square ft carpeting.</em>
Step-by-step explanation:
<u>Area of Rectangles</u>
Given a rectangle with width W and length H, the area is calculated as follows:
A = W * H
The new carpet of the family has the shape provided in the figure. We have completed the shape to add some missing dimensions by adding and subtracting the given lengths. Please refer to the attached image.
The total area of the carpet is the sum of the areas of three rectangles.
The rectangle at the bottom has dimensions 3 ft x 20 ft, thus its area is:
A1 = 3 ft * 20 ft = 60 square ft
The rectangle at the middle has dimensions 3 ft x 17 ft, thus its area is:
A2 = 3 ft * 17 ft = 51 square ft
The rectangle at the top has dimensions 4 ft x 19 ft, thus its area is:
A3 = 4 ft * 19 ft = 76 square ft
The total area of the carpet is:
A = 60 square ft + 51 square ft + 76 square ft
A = 187 square ft
The family will need to purchase 187 square ft carpeting.
