Solving a Maths Question: Carpet Tiling for 3.1m x 2.9m Floor

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a mathematics problem concerning the calculation of how many carpet tiles, each measuring 50cm x 50cm, can fit into a floor area of 3.1 meters by 2.9 meters. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and problem-solving relevant to BTEC level 2 maths.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents their calculation, converting the floor dimensions from meters to centimeters and calculating the area, arriving at a result of 35.96 tiles.
  • Another participant agrees with the arithmetic but suggests that the answer should be rounded to the nearest whole number, proposing 35 tiles as the maximum number of whole tiles that can be used without cutting.
  • A further clarification is made that if the entire area must be covered, 36 tiles would be necessary, leaving a small area of 0.01 m² uncovered.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is some agreement on the arithmetic calculations, but participants express differing views on how to handle the rounding and the implications of cutting tiles versus using whole tiles.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve whether cutting tiles is permissible, and the implications of using whole tiles versus the exact number calculated remain unclear.

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I am studying for BTEC level 2 maths.

I need some guidance on solving a maths question.

How many carpet tiles measuring 50cm x 50 cm would fit a floor 3.1meters by 2.9 meters

I thought to convert meters to cm = 310cm x 290 cm = 89900 cm squared

then divide by 50cm x 50cm = 2500 sq cm = 35.96

Is this correct please

thanks(Smile)
 
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Hi casino281,

Welcome to MHB. I'm a little confused about your thread title. Is your name Clive?

I'm glad you found us :)

Jameson
 
casino281 said:
I am studying for BTEC level 2 maths.

I need some guidance on solving a maths question.

How many carpet tiles measuring 50cm x 50 cm would fit a floor 3.1meters by 2.9 meters

I thought to convert meters to cm = 310cm x 290 cm = 89900 cm squared

then divide by 50cm x 50cm = 2500 sq cm = 35.96

Is this correct please

thanks(Smile)

Hey, welcome to the forums (Talking), glad you found us.

Your working and arithmetic are fine, typically this sort of question demands a whole number as an answer so I'd go with 35 since we only deal with whole numbers of tiles (in reality of course you'd use 36 and cut off 0.04 but they don't like that (Rofl))

edit: Is quarter to two really the best time to be doing maths problems? (Wink)
 
SuperSonic4 said:
Hey, welcome to the forums (Talking), glad you found us.

Your working and arithmetic are fine, typically this sort of question demands a whole number as an answer so I'd go with 35 since we only deal with whole numbers of tiles (in reality of course you'd use 36 and cut off 0.04 but they don't like that (Rofl))

edit: Is quarter to two really the best time to be doing maths problems? (Wink)

If you are not allowed to cut the tiles 35 is the largest number of whole tiles you can use, If you have to tile the whole area 36 are sufficient with a piece of area 0.01 m^2 left over.

CB