# Thread: Area - whole and decimal numbers

1. ## Area - whole and decimal numbers

Hi,
I hope this is in the right post ...
I am trying to work out a simple spread sheet for pricing, based on AREA, like this:

If it costs $50 to paint 1m2 (one meter sq) then: 1m x 1m x$50 : $50 2m x 2m x$50 : $200 1.8m x 1.2m x$50 : $108 etc. This is all good, except when I go into decimals ... 0.5m x 0.5m x$50 : $12.5 (it should be$25!)
0.9m x 0.6m x $50 :$27 (it should be $54!) Why do I always get half of the 'real' value? Please help! 2. ## Re: Area - whole and decimal numbers No it shouldn't. The calculator is correct. 1/2 x 1/2 = 1/4, so 1/2 x 1/2 x 50 = 1/4 x 50. What is a quarter of 50? 9/10 x 6/10 = 54/100, so 9/10 x 6/10 x 50 = 54/100 x 50 = 54/2. What is half of 54? 3. ## Re: Area - whole and decimal numbers Originally Posted by formik 0.5m x 0.5m x$50 : $12.5 (it should be$25!)

This is one quarter of a square metre, therefore it would require a quarter of a $50 tin, i.e 0.25 (0.5 x 0.5) of$50 = \$12.5