Square poles - Math Central

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Question from Steve, a student:

If 1 pole=16.5', and you have an area that is 146 sq. poles, how many square feet would you have?
I calculate that to be 146(16.5)X146(16.5)=5,803,281 sq. feet Is that correct? I am told I need to divide by 146, which makes the answer 39,748. I do not understand why I need to divide by 146....

Steve,

If 1 pole is 16.5 feet then a square which is 1 pole by 1 pole is 16.5 feet be 16.5 feet so 1 square pole is 16.5 × 16.5 square feet. Hence 146 square poles is 146 × 16.5 × 16.5 square feet.

Penny

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