1. **State the problem:** A table weighing 348 pounds is supported by 4 identical legs. Each leg exerts a pressure of 12 pounds per square inch on the floor. We need to find the area of the bottom of each leg touching the floor. 2. **Calculate the weight supported by each leg:** Since the table's weight is equally distributed, each leg supports \( \frac{348}{4} = 87 \) pounds. 3. **Use the pressure formula:** Pressure \( P \) is defined as force (weight) divided by area, so \( P = \frac{F}{A} \). 4. **Rearrange to find area:** \( A = \frac{F}{P} \). 5. **Substitute values:** \( A = \frac{87}{12} = 7.25 \) square inches. **Final answer:** The area of the bottom of each leg touching the floor is \( 7.25 \) square inches. --- **Two similar problems to solve:** 1. A chair weighing 200 pounds has 4 identical legs. If each leg exerts a pressure of 10 pounds per square inch on the floor, what is the area of the bottom of each leg? 2. A bench weighing 500 pounds is supported by 5 identical legs. If each leg exerts a pressure of 20 pounds per square inch on the floor, find the area of the bottom of each leg touching the floor.