Numeracy Higher November 2019 Unit 2 Q2
2. The picture shows a solid concrete step.
The step:
- stands on horizontal ground,
- has all of its edges vertical or horizontal,
- has a uniform cross-section.

Diagram not drawn to scale
(a) Draw a sketch of the plan view of the concrete step. [1]
(b) The volume of concrete in the step is 66 000 cm3.
(i) The concrete to make the step costs 39p per litre.
A builder charges a rate of £27 per hour.
Any fraction of an hour is charged as that fraction of his hourly rate.
(For example, half an hour is charged at half of £27.)
It takes him 1 hour 20 minutes to make the step.
There were no other costs.
Calculate the total cost of making the step. [3]
(ii) Calculate the length of the step.
Give your answer in cm.
You must show all your working. [5]
Give your answer in cm.
You must show all your working. [5]
| Scheme | Marks | Comments |
|---|---|---|
![]() in any orientation | B1 | Allow:
Do not accept if end elevation also drawn, unless plan view is labelled |
| Scheme | Marks | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| (i) (Concrete costs) 66 × 39(p) or equivalent | M1 | (=£25.74) Allow M1 for sight of a multiplication involving the digits 66... with 39(p) or equivalent |
| (Builder charges) 27 + ⅓ × 27 or equivalent | M1 | (= £36) Allow methods breaking down the hour to find the cost for 20 minutes provided sufficient evidence seen Do not allow:
27 + 0.33 × 27 = £35.91 or better |
| (Total cost of making the step) (£) 61.74 | A1 | CAO |
| (ii) (Area cross-section) as sum of two products: 50 × (20+25) – 24×25 (= 2250 – 600) or (20+25) × (50–24) + 20×24 (= 1170 + 480) or 50×20 + 25×(50–24) (= 1000 + 650) OR (Area cross-section) as sum of three products: 24×20 + 26×20 + 26×25 (= 480 + 520 + 650) | M2 | Check diagram for working Accept a similar method given by an equation or expressions M1 for sight of either:
|
| (Area cross-section) 1650 (cm2) | A1 | CAO |
| (Length = Volume ÷ area cross-section) 66 000 ÷ 1650 | M1 | FT 66000 ÷ ‘their 1650’ provided ‘their 1650’ is dimensionally correct |
| 40 (cm) | A1 | ISW FT 66000 ÷ ‘their 1650’ only allowing rounding or truncation of decimals |
