Homework Help: Algebra-right question for Jai

Posted by Mary on Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 9:23am.

In a right triangular prism, the legs of the base are each doubled, and the height is reduced by half. How does the new volume compare to the original volume of the same prism?

A.the new volume will be 1/2 as big as the original
B.the new volume will be two times bigger than original
C. the new volume will be 1/8 as big as original
D. the new volume will be 8 times bigger than original.

Algebra-right question for Jai - Jai, Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 9:43am
the volume of a triangular prism is given by
V = (1/2)*(B*H*L)
where
B = base
H = height
L = length
thus the new volume becomes,
V' = (1/2)*(2*B)(2*H)*L
V' = 2*(1/2)*(B*H*L) or
V' = 2*V

thus the new volume is twice the original.

note that first statement is tricky. i interpreted it as "the legs (base and height of triangle) of the base (meaning the base of the prism, which is a right triangle) are each doubled" thus saying that both base, B, and height, H is doubled, and not 1/2 of H. that's why in V', the H is multiplied by 2.

hope this helps~ :)

Answer this Question

Related Questions

Geometry - We have a triangular prism that has the following characteristics. It...
Algebra!! - 1)volume of a ctlinder: 198mm Radius base: ?? Height of cylinder: ...
Algebra - Volume of a triangular prism:1000 cu ft Length of base: ?? Height of ...
geometry - How do you find the lateral and surface area of a right triangular ...
math - A right rectangle and a right triangle prism have the same height. If ...
math - a right rectangle and a right triangle prism have the same height. If the...
geometry - A prism has a right triangle as its base with a hypotenuse that ...
geometry - find the lateral area and the total surface area of the right prism ...
geometry - the base of a right triangular prism has a width of 8 inches and a ...
geometry - Fin the volume of a triangular prism with height 16cm, base (a right ...

For Further Reading

First Name:
School Subject:
Answer: