If a tank's width is 10 feet, depth is 16 feet, and length is 700 feet, how would you calculate its volume?

To calculate the volume of a rectangular tank, the appropriate formula is to multiply its length, width, and depth. This is based on the geometric principle that volume for a rectangular prism (like a tank) is determined by these three dimensions.

While the choice mentions multiplying by 7.48 gallons, which is a conversion factor to convert cubic feet into gallons, understanding that the initial calculation of volume is done by multiplying the length, width, and depth (in feet) is crucial. The dimensions of 10 feet for width, 16 feet for depth, and 700 feet for length lead to an expression of the tank's volume in cubic feet.

After calculating the volume in cubic feet, the additional conversion factor of 7.48 gallons per cubic foot allows us to express that volume in gallons, which is a common measurement for water and wastewater. This step of including 7.48 gallons helps in practical applications for the water industry.

The proper approach to find the volume is straightforward: first calculate the cubic feet using length, width, and depth, and then convert that volume into gallons if needed for practical usage. Therefore, the logical step of first determining the cubic volume is foundational in this calculation.