The correct answer is A. One-fourth of its width.
A shallow foundation is a foundation that is less than one-fourth of its width in depth. It is typically used for light-weight structures, such as single-family homes. Shallow foundations are less expensive to construct than deep foundations, but they are not as stable.
A deep foundation is a foundation that is more than one-fourth of its width in depth. It is typically used for heavy-weight structures, such as commercial buildings and high-rise apartments.
Deep foundations are more stable than shallow foundations, but they are also more expensive to construct.The other options are incorrect because they do not meet the definition of a shallow foundation. Option B, half of its width, is too deep to be considered a shallow foundation. Option C, three-fourths of its width, is also too
deep to be considered a shallow foundation. Option D, equal to its width, is not a valid option because a foundation cannot be equal to its width in depth.