There are several ways to do this.
We can choose either inches or feet as our base.
Let's do the case in inches.
Let's say the measurements are 5'2" by 2'4".
Step 1 - Convert everything into inches, so multiply the feet by 12 and add the inches. 5'2" becomes 5x12+2 = 62". Similarly, with 2'4" 2x12+4 = 28".
Step 2 - Calculate the area in square inches. 62" x 28" = 1736 square inches.
Step 3 - Convert square inches into square feet by dividing the number of square inches by 144 (12" x 12"). I get 12.06 square feet.
Let do the case in feet using the same measurements.
Step 1 - convert everything into feet. Since there are 12" in a foot, divide the inches by 12 and add to the feet. 5'2" becomes 5 + 2/12 = 5.16'. Similarly, 2'4" becomes 2 + 4/12 = 2.33'.
Step 2 - calculate the area in square feet. 5.16' x 2.33' = 12.02 square feet.
Step 3 - Convert the square feet to square inches by multiplying the answer in square feet by the number of square inches in a square foot (144). Imagine a square 12" by 12". 12.02 square feet x 144 = 1730 square inches.
Note that I have rounded my answers, thus, they are not equal. To avoid this, keep the answer in your calculator and round only at the end.
Any questions, let me know.
Good luck.
Paul
Testimonial: "Thanks a lot Paul.You really were very helpful.It's been quite a number of years since school and I don't ever get a chance to use this type of math at all but now I've decided to take up sewing and now i really need to brush up on my math skills.So once again Thanks"
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