Math Problem Statement

The diagram below shows a cone and a prism. All measurements are in cm. The cone has base radius r and perpendicular height x. The prism has a triangular cross section with base y and perpendicular height y. The length of the prism is x. The volume of the cone is four times the volume of the prism. Express r in terms of y.

Solution

Let's analyze and solve this question step-by-step.

Given Information:

  1. The cone has a base radius rr and height xx.
  2. The prism has a triangular cross-section with a base yy and height yy, and its length is xx.
  3. The volume of the cone is four times the volume of the prism.

Step 1: Calculate the Volume of the Cone

The volume VconeV_{\text{cone}} of a cone is given by: Vcone=13×area of base×heightV_{\text{cone}} = \frac{1}{3} \times \text{area of base} \times \text{height} The area of the base of the cone (which is a circle) is πr2\pi r^2, and the height is xx. Vcone=13×πr2×x=πr2x3V_{\text{cone}} = \frac{1}{3} \times \pi r^2 \times x = \frac{\pi r^2 x}{3}

Step 2: Calculate the Volume of the Prism

The volume VprismV_{\text{prism}} of a prism is given by: Vprism=area of cross-section×lengthV_{\text{prism}} = \text{area of cross-section} \times \text{length} The cross-section of the prism is a triangle with base yy and height yy, so the area of this triangle is: Area of triangle=12×y×y=y22\text{Area of triangle} = \frac{1}{2} \times y \times y = \frac{y^2}{2} Thus, the volume of the prism is: Vprism=y22×x=y2x2V_{\text{prism}} = \frac{y^2}{2} \times x = \frac{y^2 x}{2}

Step 3: Set Up the Given Condition

According to the problem, the volume of the cone is four times the volume of the prism: Vcone=4×VprismV_{\text{cone}} = 4 \times V_{\text{prism}} Substitute the expressions for VconeV_{\text{cone}} and VprismV_{\text{prism}} we derived: πr2x3=4×y2x2\frac{\pi r^2 x}{3} = 4 \times \frac{y^2 x}{2}

Step 4: Simplify the Equation

Cancel xx from both sides (assuming x0x \neq 0): πr23=2y2\frac{\pi r^2}{3} = 2 y^2 Multiply both sides by 3 to eliminate the denominator: πr2=6y2\pi r^2 = 6 y^2 Now, divide both sides by π\pi to solve for r2r^2: r2=6y2πr^2 = \frac{6 y^2}{\pi} Finally, take the square root of both sides to express rr in terms of yy: r=6y2π=y6πr = \sqrt{\frac{6 y^2}{\pi}} = \frac{y \sqrt{6}}{\sqrt{\pi}}

Final Answer:

r=y6πr = \frac{y \sqrt{6}}{\sqrt{\pi}}

Would you like more details on any step, or do you have any questions?


Here are some additional related questions:

  1. How would the result change if the volume of the cone was three times the volume of the prism?
  2. What is the effect on rr if the radius of the cone’s base changes but the height remains constant?
  3. Can you express xx in terms of rr and yy given the same volume relationship?
  4. How would the volume of the cone change if both rr and xx doubled?
  5. How does the formula for the volume of a cone compare to that of a cylinder with the same base and height?

Tip: Always check for relationships or proportionalities in geometric shapes when solving volume-related problems. This helps simplify complex expressions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Volumes of 3D Shapes
Algebra

Formulas

Volume of a cone = (1/3) * area of base * perpendicular height
Area of a triangle = (1/2) * base * height
Volume of a prism = area of cross-section * length

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12