Traditionally, the foundations of houses are made of concrete. A builder is experimenting with using a hard plastic polymer for foundations. A foundation made with the polymer is about the same price to construct and install a concrete foundation. Unlike concrete, the polymer will not block all water flow and is not prone to cracking with age. The builder argues that houses built with the polymer foundation will last longer. Which of the following must be studied in order to evaluate the argument presented above?
A. Whether repairs to polymer foundations are more expensive than repairs to concrete foundations
B. Whether soil acidity, to which all stone is resistant, can dissolve the polymer
C. How dry the soil in this region becomes during typical summer droughts
D. Whether residents will be able to smell the vapors that outgas from the polymera
E. Whether consumers aiming to buy a house will trust a house with an alternate foundation
Explanation: The argument hinges on the polymer foundation lasting longer. Statement (2) introduces a threat (soil acidity) that concrete resists but the polymer might not, directly challenging the claim of longevity. Hence, it must be studied to properly evaluate the argument.
