Answer:
18 cans
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of cans of paint will be the least integer greater than or equal to the number required to cover the area of the trapezoid.
The area of the wall is given by the formula ...
A = 1/2(b1 +b2)h
where b1 and b2 are the bases, and h is the height.
We are given the values b1=20 ft, b2=24 ft, h=16 ft, so the area is found to be ...
A = 1/2(20 ft +24 ft)(16 ft) = 352 ft² . . . . . area of the wall
Each can of paint covers 20 ft², so n cans of paint will cover 20n square feet. We want to find the minimum integer value of n that satisfies ...
20n ≥ 352
n ≥ 17.6 . . . . . . . . . divide by 20
The next larger integer is 18.
The painter will need to buy 18 cans of paint.
