Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: 73800
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
First find square side from fencing cost (perimeter known). Inner pavement forms a border strip of uniform width; its area equals area(outer square) − area(inner square).
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Area of 3 m wide strip inside = s^2 − (s − 2w)^2 (subtract inner square where each side shrinks by 2w).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Approx strip area ≈ perimeter * width = 504 * 3 = 1,512 m^2 minus corner corrections (~36) ⇒ 1,476 m^2, consistent.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
43,800 and 53,800 are too low; 83,800 too high; 73,800 matches exact computation.
Common Pitfalls:
Using (s − w)^2 instead of (s − 2w)^2; forgetting to derive s from fencing cost.
Final Answer:
73800
Discussion & Comments