This is where the practical aspects of building, meet the the principles of mathematics.  There will be four weeks of problems shown on this page.  Each problem is just that; one problem that will accentuate one aspect of math that occurs during the building process.  We will revisit some of the problems we did in the first semester.  The calendar will instruct you as to the problem you should be working on for that week and when it is due.  Remember to work on it with the idea that you will probably need help from the instructor.  Also, remember to write out all the elments to the problem----use a sketch to help you better understand the problem.  You must click on the picture to access the problem.  Also, below is a short explantation of the problem and a video tutorial when necessary.  Be sure to read and watch the video.        Show all you work!  Yes, your work and not someone else's!

A "scaled" drawing that we use to build from, often called a "blueprint" or "working drawing", shows a real structure with accurate measurements except they have been reduced or enlarged a certain amount.  For example; a 1 : 10 reduction scale means the drawing is ten times smaller, for each dimension, than the original object.  In building, the scale expresses the length on the drawing compared to it's real length.  It would be expressed this way: 

1/4"=1' and read; one quarter of an inch equals on foot.  Click on the picture to access the problem.

During the foundation phase of building, understanding cubic yard conversions when calculating concrete is very important.  In fact, the accuracy necessary at this point can make or break a building project.  Make sure you understand the problem, write out all the facts, and take each part as one step at a time.  

There are two elements to this problem.  One is determing the rafter length in order to calculate the width of the roof. The other part is carefully following what is being asked in order to correctly determine the amount of plywood needed for the whole roof.  Also, remember to factor the "overhang"!

Calculating materials is always an important part of a building project.  Not only for obvious monetary reasons, but also for the purpose of keeping a job going on schedule. Building phases, and the use of materials they call for, are always overlapping each other.  Failure to calculate materials properly will result in excess labor costs.