SOLUTION: The question asks: find the whole number dimensions of a container that needs to hold 80 cubic feet of chemicals. Make sure it uses the least amount of plastic to hold 80 cubic fee

Question 449180: The question asks: find the whole number dimensions of a container that needs to hold 80 cubic feet of chemicals. Make sure it uses the least amount of plastic to hold 80 cubic feet of chemicals.
I do not understand very clearly what the question is asking me. Does it want me to do something like 2x6=12x2=24 ; 2x3.5=7x2=14; 6x3.5=21x2=42; 42+14+24
Which equals 80?

Thank you very much for your time and patience! I really appreciate your help and service. Thank you, and sorry for the inconvenience.

Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The question asks: find the whole number dimensions of a container that needs to hold 80 cubic feet of chemicals. Make sure it uses the least amount of plastic to hold 80 cubic feet of chemicals.
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The surface with minimum area is a sphere.
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Volume of a sphere = (4/3)pi*r^3
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You need to find "r":
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Solve (4/3)pi*r^3 = 80 cu ft
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r^3 = 80/[(4/3)pi] = 19.098
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radius = 2.673 ft.
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If a rectangular shape is required for the problem,
use the volume of a cube.
Vol = s^3
Solve s^3 = 80 cu ft.
s = cbrt(8*10) = 2*cbrt(10) ft
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A whole number answer would be 2*2.15 = 4.3 rounded down would be 4
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The answer would be 4 by 4 by 4, but that will only accommodate 64 cu. ft.
However 4*4*5 would give you 80 cu ft.
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Cheers,
Stan H.

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