SOLUTION: A rectangular bin has a square base. The depth is 2 ft. greater than a side of the base. Capacity of bin: 500 cu. ft. Find dimensions to nearest tenth of a foot. Volume = leng

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Question 1132309: A rectangular bin has a square base. The depth is 2 ft. greater than a side of the base. Capacity of bin: 500 cu. ft. Find dimensions to nearest tenth of a foot.
Volume = length * width * height (or depth).
Unsure how to solve.

Answer by josgarithmetic(39630) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x be each base dimension.
The depth is x+2.

x%5E2%28x%2B2%29=500
Solve this for x.
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x%5E3%2B2x%5E2-500=0
Try to see if Rational Roots Theorem helps, or use a graphing tool to find useful positive zeros. This equation has one real zero about 7.3. Probably actual value will be slightly greater than 7.3. Very close to 7.32.