If the average rainfall is 34.7 inches, what is this amount in gallons of water over 1700 square feet?
Understand the Problem
The question asks to convert the average rainfall in inches to gallons of water over a given area in square feet. This involves converting inches of rainfall to a volume of water and then applying that volume to the specified area.
Answer
The formulas for converting average rainfall in inches to gallons of water are: Rainfall in feet $ = \frac{\text{Rainfall in inches}}{12} $ Volume in cubic feet $ = \text{Rainfall in feet} \times \text{Area in square feet} $ Volume in gallons $ = \text{Volume in cubic feet} \times 7.48 $
Answer for screen readers
The formulas used to convert the average rainfall in inches to gallons of water over a given area in square feet are:
$$ \text{Rainfall in feet} = \frac{\text{Rainfall in inches}}{12} $$
$$ \text{Volume in cubic feet} = \text{Rainfall in feet} \times \text{Area in square feet} $$
$$ \text{Volume in gallons} = \text{Volume in cubic feet} \times 7.48 $$
Steps to Solve
- Convert inches to feet
Since the area is given in square feet, convert the rainfall from inches to feet. There are 12 inches in a foot, so divide the rainfall in inches by 12 to get the rainfall in feet.
$$ \text{Rainfall in feet} = \frac{\text{Rainfall in inches}}{12} $$
- Calculate the volume of rainfall in cubic feet
Multiply the rainfall in feet by the area in square feet to find the volume of rainfall in cubic feet.
$$ \text{Volume in cubic feet} = \text{Rainfall in feet} \times \text{Area in square feet} $$
- Convert cubic feet to gallons
There are approximately 7.48 gallons in a cubic foot. Multiply the volume in cubic feet by 7.48 to find the volume in gallons.
$$ \text{Volume in gallons} = \text{Volume in cubic feet} \times 7.48 $$
The formulas used to convert the average rainfall in inches to gallons of water over a given area in square feet are:
$$ \text{Rainfall in feet} = \frac{\text{Rainfall in inches}}{12} $$
$$ \text{Volume in cubic feet} = \text{Rainfall in feet} \times \text{Area in square feet} $$
$$ \text{Volume in gallons} = \text{Volume in cubic feet} \times 7.48 $$
More Information
This calculation is often used in environmental science and engineering to estimate water runoff, drainage requirements, or the impact of rainfall on water resources. The conversion factor of 7.48 gallons per cubic foot is an approximation, but it's accurate enough for most practical purposes.
Tips
A common mistake is forgetting to convert the rainfall from inches to feet before calculating the volume. Another mistake is using the wrong conversion factor between cubic feet and gallons. Always double-check the units and conversion factors to ensure accuracy.
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