A client wants to install 12-inch ceramic tile in a 15-foot by 20-foot room. Assuming 10% waste factor, how many square feet of tile should be ordered?
Correct Answer
D) 330 square feet
Room area = 15 × 20 = 300 sq ft. With 10% waste factor: 300 × 1.10 = 330 square feet of tile should be ordered.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
To calculate tile needed with waste factor: First find room area (15 × 20 = 300 sq ft), then add 10% waste factor by multiplying by 1.10 (300 × 1.10 = 330 sq ft). The waste factor accounts for cuts, breakage, and future repairs. This is standard practice in tile installation to ensure adequate material.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 300 square feet
This is only the base room area (300 sq ft) without accounting for the required 10% waste factor. Ordering exactly the room area would leave insufficient material for cuts, breakage, and potential future repairs.
Option B: 315 square feet
This represents only a 5% waste factor (300 × 1.05 = 315 sq ft), which is insufficient. The problem specifically states a 10% waste factor is required for proper material planning.
Option C: 345 square feet
This represents a 15% waste factor (300 × 1.15 = 345 sq ft), which exceeds the specified 10% requirement. While extra material isn't harmful, it's not what the problem asks for and represents unnecessary cost.
Memory Technique
Remember 'WASTE = MULTIPLY': When adding waste factor, multiply the base area by (1 + waste percentage). 10% waste = multiply by 1.10, not add 10.
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