Math Problem Statement

If the surface area of a spherical moon is 3600 pi square miles, what is this moon's volume in cubic miles? (The surface area of a sphere is , where is the radius of the sphere)

Solution

The formula for the surface area AA of a sphere is given by:

A=4πr2A = 4\pi r^2

where rr is the radius of the sphere. We are given that the surface area is 3600π3600\pi square miles. So, we can set up the equation:

4πr2=3600π4\pi r^2 = 3600\pi

Now, divide both sides by π\pi:

4r2=36004r^2 = 3600

Next, divide both sides by 4:

r2=900r^2 = 900

Take the square root of both sides to find rr:

r=30 milesr = 30 \text{ miles}

Now that we know the radius, we can find the volume VV of the sphere using the formula:

V=43πr3V = \frac{4}{3} \pi r^3

Substitute r=30r = 30 miles:

V=43π(30)3V = \frac{4}{3} \pi (30)^3

First, calculate 30330^3:

303=2700030^3 = 27000

Now substitute that into the volume formula:

V=43π(27000)=43×27000×π=36000π cubic milesV = \frac{4}{3} \pi (27000) = \frac{4}{3} \times 27000 \times \pi = 36000 \pi \text{ cubic miles}

Thus, the volume of the moon is:

V=36000π cubic milesV = 36000\pi \text{ cubic miles}

If you want the volume in decimal form, it is approximately:

V113097.34 cubic milesV \approx 113097.34 \text{ cubic miles}

Would you like further details or have any questions?


Here are 5 related questions to explore:

  1. How does the volume of a sphere change if its radius doubles?
  2. What is the relationship between the surface area and volume of a sphere?
  3. How can we calculate the surface area if we are given only the volume?
  4. What is the volume of a sphere with a surface area of 144π144 \pi square miles?
  5. How does the formula for a sphere's volume compare with that of a cylinder?

Tip: When scaling dimensions in geometry (like doubling the radius of a sphere), note that surface area scales with the square of the radius, while volume scales with the cube of the radius!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Spheres
Surface Area
Volume

Formulas

Surface area of a sphere: A = 4πr²
Volume of a sphere: V = (4/3)πr³

Theorems

Formulas for the surface area and volume of a sphere

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12