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The Mighty Excavator Challenge
At the site of the Great Canyon Expansion Project, a veteran operator named Jack “Iron Grip” Thompson faces a unique test of skill. The canyon's edge is unstable, and a deep trench must be dug precisely 50 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 20 feet deep to stabilize the foundation for a new bridge. However, Jack’s hydraulic excavator—a powerful Komatsu PC800—has a bucket that can only dig 2 cubic yards of soil at a time.
Adding to the challenge:
- Jack can only work 8 hours per day before his machine requires maintenance.
- He must clear at least 200 cubic yards per day to stay on schedule.
- Every 50 cubic yards of soil removed reduces stability near the trench, requiring counterweight balancing with his trusty bulldozer before continuing.
- A sudden rainstorm is expected in 3 days, meaning he must complete at least 600 cubic yards before then to prevent erosion risks.
The Questions:
- How many total cubic yards of soil must Jack remove?
- How many bucket loads will be required to complete the excavation?
- How many days will Jack need at his optimal pace?
- Will he finish at least 600 cubic yards before the storm hits?
Time is ticking, and only a true heavy equipment master can ensure the success of the project!
