An elevator building code requires at least 2.3 square feet per person. The depth of an elevator box is 7 feet. How wide must the elevator be to legally accommodate 15 people?

x = 4.9285 ft

Explanation:

q = 2.3 ft²/person

y = 7 ft

n = 15 persons

We can apply the formula

A = x*y

or

A = q*n = (2.3 ft²/person) * (15 persons)

⇒ A = 34.5 ft²

then we have

A = x*y ⇒ 34.5 ft² = x * 7 ft

⇒ x = 34.5 ft² / 7 ft

⇒ x = 4.9285 ft (wide)