The formula for the volume of a rectangular prism is V = lwh
The formula for the perimeter of a rectangle is P = 2w + 2l
So,
30 = lw*3 and 14 = 2w + 2l
10/w = l l = 7 - w
--> 10/w = 7 - w
10 = 7w - w^2
0 = w^2 - 7w + 10
0 = (w-5) (w-2)
w = 5 or w = 2 --> l = 2 or 5
So, let w = 5 and l = 2
Let the sides be:
x, y and height h
We know that the volume:
V = x*y*h
30 = x*y*3
==> xy = 10 ..........(1)
We also know that the perimeter of the base is:
P = 2*x + 2*y = 14
==> 2x + 2y = 14 ...........(2)
Now let us substitute:
2 (10/y) + 2y = 14
20/y + 2y = 14
Multiply by y:
==> 20 + 2y^2 = 14y
==> 2y^2 - 14y + 20 = 0
Divide by 2:
==> y^2 -7y + 10 = 0
==> (y-5)(y-2) = 0
==> y1= 5 ==> x1= 2
==> y2= 2 ==> x2= 5
Then the measures of the side of the base are 2 and 5.
We’ll help your grades soar
Start your 48-hour free trial and unlock all the summaries, Q&A, and analyses you need to get better grades now.
- 30,000+ book summaries
- 20% study tools discount
- Ad-free content
- PDF downloads
- 300,000+ answers
- 5-star customer support
Already a member? Log in here.
Are you a teacher? Sign up now