Math Problem Statement

An ice cream company sells their product in a cylindrical container that is [16\text{ cm}] tall and has a diameter of [14\text{ cm}]. They are considering switching to a new container that is a rectangular prism whose base is [20 \times 13 \text{ cm}].

The company wants the new container to have the same volume as the old container.

How tall should the new container be? Round to the nearest tenth.

Solution

To find the height of the new rectangular container, we need to ensure that its volume matches the volume of the old cylindrical container.

Step 1: Calculate the volume of the old cylindrical container.

The volume VV of a cylinder is given by:

V=πr2hV = \pi r^2 h

Given:

  • Diameter of the cylinder = 14 cm14 \text{ cm}, so the radius rr = 142=7 cm\frac{14}{2} = 7 \text{ cm}.
  • Height of the cylinder hh = 16 cm16 \text{ cm}.

Substitute these values into the formula:

V=π(7)2(16)V = \pi (7)^2 (16)

V=π×49×16V = \pi \times 49 \times 16

V=784π cubic centimetersV = 784\pi \text{ cubic centimeters}

Step 2: Set the volume of the new rectangular prism equal to the volume of the cylinder.

The volume VV of a rectangular prism is given by:

V=length×width×heightV = \text{length} \times \text{width} \times \text{height}

Given:

  • Length = 20 cm20 \text{ cm}
  • Width = 13 cm13 \text{ cm}
  • Height = hh (which we need to find)

We know the volume of the new container must equal the volume of the old cylinder:

20×13×h=784π20 \times 13 \times h = 784\pi

260h=784π260h = 784\pi

Step 3: Solve for hh.

h=784π260h = \frac{784\pi}{260}

h2463.01260 (using π3.14159)h \approx \frac{2463.01}{260} \text{ (using } \pi \approx 3.14159\text{)}

h9.47 cmh \approx 9.47 \text{ cm}

Final Answer:

The height of the new container should be approximately 9.5 cm9.5 \text{ cm} when rounded to the nearest tenth.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to explore:

  1. How much more or less material is needed to produce the new container compared to the old one?
  2. What is the surface area of the new rectangular container?
  3. How does the height change if the base of the rectangular prism is increased?
  4. What is the difference in height if the new container’s base were square instead?
  5. How would the volume change if the height of the cylinder were increased by 25%?

Tip: When comparing volumes, always ensure you use the same units and remember to consider the shape-specific volume formulas for accurate calculations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Volumes

Formulas

Volume of a cylinder
Volume of a rectangular prism

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9