🔍 Key Concepts

• Relationship between steel plate thickness and weight per square foot • Standard rule of thumb: about how many pounds per square foot does 1" thick mild steel weigh? • How to proportionally scale thickness when the weight per square foot changes

💭 Think About

• First, recall or estimate the approximate weight (lb/ft²) of a 1" thick steel plate, then compare 20 lb/ft² to that number. • Ask yourself: if 1" of steel weighs X lb/ft², what fraction of an inch would weigh about 20 lb/ft²? • Match that fractional thickness to the closest choice given in inches.

✅ Before You Answer

• Be sure you are thinking in pounds per square foot, not total plate weight. • Verify that your estimated 1" plate weight is reasonable (typical mild steel is a bit over 40 lb/ft² at 1" thick). • Check which option’s thickness gives a weight closest to 20 lb/ft² when scaled from your 1" reference.