SOLUTION: Two rectangular water tanks with tops on the same level are connected by a pipe through their bottoms. The base of one is 6in higher than that of the other. Their dimensions are 4

Question 956378: Two rectangular water tanks with tops on the same level are connected by a pipe through their bottoms. The base of one is 6in higher than that of the other. Their dimensions are 4 by 5 by 2 1/2ft. and 4 by 7 by 3 ft., respectively. How deep is the water in the larger tank when the water they contain equals half their combined capacity, if the 2 1/2ft and 3ft edges are vertical?
Answer by macston(5194) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Disregarding the connecting pipe:
Capacity of small tank=
Capacity large tank=
Combined capacity= 1/2 capacity=
If base of small tank is 0.5 ft higher:
The large tank will hold the first 6 inches:
77.5cu ft-17.5 cu ft=60 cu ft remaining to split between both tanks.
Small tank holds: (4ft*5ft*1ft)=20 cu ft per foot deep
Large tank holds: (5ft*7ft*1ft)=35 cu ft per foot deep
Combined 55 cu ft per foot deep.
60 cu ft/55cu ft/ft deep=1.09 feet deep. Each tank will add 1.09 feet of water.
The bottom 0.5 foot of the large tank is already filled, so 1.09ft+0.50 ft=1.59 ft
ANSWER 1: If the small tank is higher, there is 1.59 feet of water in the larger tank
If base of large tank is 0.5 ft higher:
The small tank will hold the first 6 inches:
77.5cu ft (1/2 capacity)- 10cu ft=67.5 cu ft to split between tanks.
67.5 cu ft/55 cu ft=1.23 feet deep. Each tank will add 1.23 feet of water
ANSWER 2: If the large tank is higher, there is 1.23 feet of water in the larger tank.

RELATED QUESTIONS
Hi, I have Problem with the following question Question - two tanks contain equal... (answered by fcabanski)

Two tanks are connected to a dam by separate pipes.To fill the tanks the valves on the... (answered by ankor@dixie-net.com)

Hi I am having trouble with these two maths questions. It would be great if you could... (answered by josgarithmetic,JBarnum)

A rectangular tank by x*y*z is filled with water.if all the water is transferred... (answered by Alan3354)

To cylindrical tanks sit side by side on a level surface. The first tank has a radius of... (answered by ankor@dixie-net.com)

Two identical tanks full of water are being drained at the same time. One of the tanks... (answered by robertb)

an old water pipe is to be replaced by a new one so that twice as much water can flow... (answered by )

An old water pipe is to be replaced by a new one so that twice as much water can flow... (answered by ankor@dixie-net.com)

at an aquarium two different pipes can be used to fill one of the large tanks. Pipe A can (answered by ankor@dixie-net.com)