What is the volume in cubic feet of a coal bin measuring 8 ft long, 5 ft wide, and 7 ft high?

To determine the volume of a coal bin, you utilize the formula for the volume of a rectangular prism, which is length multiplied by width multiplied by height. Given that the dimensions of the coal bin are 8 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 7 feet high, you can perform the calculation as follows:

Volume = Length × Width × Height

Volume = 8 ft × 5 ft × 7 ft

Volume = 40 ft² × 7 ft

Volume = 280 ft³

This calculation yields a volume of 280 cubic feet. Thus, the measurement of the coal bin translates directly into this calculated volume, making it the correct choice. Understanding this basic formula for volume is essential for various applications in sewage treatment and other industries, where accurately measuring capacity is crucial for operations and logistics.