You are calculating the concrete needed for a foundation footing that is 2 feet wide, 1 foot thick, and 120 feet long around the perimeter. How many cubic yards of concrete are required?
Correct Answer
A) 8.9 cubic yards
Volume = 2 ft × 1 ft × 120 ft = 240 cubic feet. Convert to cubic yards: 240 ÷ 27 = 8.89 cubic yards, rounded to 8.9 cubic yards.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Volume = Width × Thickness × Length = 2 ft × 1 ft × 120 ft = 240 cubic feet. Convert to cubic yards by dividing by 27 (since 1 cubic yard = 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cubic feet): 240 ÷ 27 = 8.888... ≈ 8.9 cubic yards. This is the standard concrete volume calculation method used in field and exam settings.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: 10.2 cubic yards
10.2 cubic yards results from a calculation error — possibly using incorrect dimensions or a wrong conversion factor. Some candidates mistakenly add a waste factor before dividing, arriving at this inflated number.
Option C: 12.4 cubic yards
12.4 cubic yards is significantly over the correct answer. This error typically stems from using 22 as the cubic feet-to-yards divisor, or from doubling one dimension incorrectly when setting up the volume formula.
Option D: 15.6 cubic yards
15.6 cubic yards is the highest distractor and is far above the correct calculation. This might result from forgetting to convert cubic feet to cubic yards altogether and then applying an incorrect formula.
Memory Technique
Cubic yards: 3 feet per side, cubed = 3³ = 27. Always divide your cubic feet answer by 27. Write '÷27' on your scratch paper immediately after you get cubic feet.
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