SOLUTION: Two similar solids have surface areas of 112 in2 and 175 in2. If the smaller solid has a side length of 20 inches, how long is the corresponding side in the larger solid (in inches

Algebra ->  Surface-area -> SOLUTION: Two similar solids have surface areas of 112 in2 and 175 in2. If the smaller solid has a side length of 20 inches, how long is the corresponding side in the larger solid (in inches      Log On


   

Question 1119143: Two similar solids have surface areas of 112 in2 and 175 in2. If the smaller solid has a side length of 20 inches, how long is the corresponding side in the larger solid (in inches)?

Answer by greenestamps(13200) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


The ratio of surface areas is 112/175 = 16/25, or 16:25.

The ratio of surface areas is the square of the scale factor (ratio of linear measurements), so the scale factor is 4:5.

So if the side length of the smaller solid is 20, the side length of the larger solid is 25:

4:5 = 20:x
4%2F5+=+20%2Fx
4x+=+100
x+=+25