A rectangular hall measures 20 meters in length and 15 meters in width. It is enclosed by a verandah of consistent width measuring 2.5 meters. What is the total cost of flooring the verandah if the rate is Rs. 3.50 per square meter?

Explanation

First, calculate the area of the hall including the verandah: (20 + 2×2.5) × (15 + 2×2.5) = 25 × 20 = 500 sq. meters. The hall area alone is 20 × 15 = 300 sq. meters. Therefore, the verandah area is 500 - 300 = 200 sq. meters. At Rs. 3.50 per sq. meter, the total cost is 200 × 3.50 = Rs. 700.