SOLUTION: A rectangular piece of metal is 5 in longer than it is wide. Squares with sides 1 in long are cut from the four corners and the flaps are folded upward to form an open box. If the

Algebra ->  Surface-area -> SOLUTION: A rectangular piece of metal is 5 in longer than it is wide. Squares with sides 1 in long are cut from the four corners and the flaps are folded upward to form an open box. If the       Log On


   

Question 925947: A rectangular piece of metal is 5 in longer than it is wide. Squares with sides 1 in long are cut from the four corners and the flaps are folded upward to form an open box. If the volume of the box is 500 in^3, what were the original dimensions of the piece of metal
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
w for width, L for length.
L=w+5, call the dimensions as w and w+5.

Height of the box is 1 inch for the size of square piece removed from corners to make the flaps.

highlight%28%28%28w%2B5%29-2%29%28w-2%29%2A1=500%29 accounts for volume.