A room is 5.5 m long and 3.75 m wide. Find the cost of paving its floor with slabs at the rate of Rs 800 per sq m.

Introduction / Context:
This problem tests rectangle area and a simple cost calculation. The floor of a rectangular room is a rectangle, so its area is length * width. Once area is obtained in square metres, the paving cost is found by multiplying the area by the given rate in Rs per square metre. The main care points are correct multiplication of decimals and ensuring that the units match (metres and square metres). Since the rate is per sq m, the area must be in sq m before multiplying.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Length = 5.5 m
• Width = 3.75 m
• Rate = Rs 800 per sq m
• Floor is rectangular: Area = L*W

Concept / Approach:
Compute area in sq m using L*W, then cost = area * 800. Keep arithmetic exact by multiplying first, then scaling by 800.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Area = 5.5 * 3.75 = 20.625 sq m Cost = 20.625 * 800 20.625 * 800 = 20.625 * (8*100) = (20.625*8)*100 20.625*8 = 165 Cost = 165 * 100 = Rs 16500

Verification / Alternative check:
Since 3.75 is close to 4, approximate area is 5.5*4=22. Cost would be around 22*800=17600. The exact width is slightly smaller than 4, so the exact cost should be slightly less than 17600. Rs 16500 fits this logic.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Rs 15500 and Rs 16000 come from underestimating the area or multiplying 800 incorrectly. Rs 17500 and Rs 18500 come from rounding area up too much or using wrong dimensions.

Common Pitfalls:
Adding dimensions instead of multiplying, using sq m rate on an area mistakenly computed in sq cm, or mistakes in decimal multiplication.

Final Answer:
The cost of paving the floor is Rs 16500.