Chapter 5.2, Problem 49MS

Here we celebrate the power of algebra as a powerful way of finding unknown quantities by naming them, of expressing infinitely many relationships and connections clearly and succinctly, and of uncovering pattern and structure.

Painting Möbius. A fraternity has a large canvas banner shaped like a Möbius band the entire surface of which is painted with the school colors. The band was crcatcd using canvas that measured 3 feet by 20 feet, with no overlap when the ends were stitched together. One year, the Board of Trustees decides to change the school colors to all new colors, so the frat boys have to repaint the entire band. How many square feet of canvas must be covered with paint?