Math A

Volume and Surface Area

 

Dealing with Problems in Three Dimensions

Answers use = 3.141592654, the full calculator entry on the TI-83+.

1.

Remember:  If the cross-sectional shape of a solid is the same at every level, the volume of the solid is the product of the area of its base and its height (V= Bh).

Area of the base = area of the triangle
        = 1/2 bh = (.5) (22) (20) = 220 square units

Height = 18
  Volume = (220) (18) =
3960 cubic units

Find the volume.

 

 

2.

a.  When a formula calls for the radius, be sure that you are working with the radius and not the diameter.  In this problem 12 is the diameter (radius = 6).

b.  You may need to amend your formula to fit a particular situation.  The surface area formula for a cylinder is

This formula includes the areas of the top and bottom (which are circles).  If the top and bottom are NOT to be considered, the formula will be

a.  Find the volume.

b.  Find the surface area if this cylinder represents a can which has no lids.

 

 

3.

A die is a cube molded from hard plastic.  The edge of a typical die measures 0.62inches.  Dice are usually produced in a mold which holds 100 die at one time.  To the nearest cubic inch, how much plastic is needed to fill this large mold?

When working with word problems, be sure to read carefully to determine what the question wants you to find.  This question clearly indicates that you are to compute the volume by stating "to the nearest cubic inch."

Volume of one die = lwh = (.62)(.62)(.62) =0.238 cubic inches
For 100 dice = 23.8 =
24 cubic inches

 

 

4.

A concrete truck arrives at a job site holding 7.8 cubic yards of concrete.  If the patio being constructed is 18 feet across and 4 inches thick, how long will the patio be if constructed from the amount of concrete on the truck?

Always read carefully to determine if all of the measurements within a problem are expressed in the same units.  This problem deals with inches, feet and cubic yards.

1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
 (think of a cube 1 yd. x 1 yd. x 1 yd. which is also 3 ft. x 3 ft. x 3 ft.)

7.8 cubic yards x 27 = 210.6 cubic feet
4 inches = 0.333 ft.
V = lwh
210.6 = (l)(18)(0.333)
length = 35.1 feet
= 35 feet

 

 

5.

When dealing with surface area it is often helpful to imagine the figure cut apart.  In this example, imagine cutting off the top and bottom of the cylinder and then slicing the remaining shape and flattening it out.

a.  AB =  12"

b.  AD = the length around the "edge" of the cylinder (which is a circle) = circumference of a circle 

c. Surface area
= 294.12 sq. in.

 

a.  Find AB
b.  Find AD
c.  Find the surface area of the cylinder.
 

 

 

 

 

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Roberts