Math Problem Statement

The box for a chocolate bar is made in the shape of an equilateral triangular prism. Calculate the volume of the box if the length is 26 cm and the side length of the triangle is 4.5 cm. Give your answer to the nearest cm3.

Solution

To calculate the volume of the chocolate bar box, we need to apply the formula for the volume of a triangular prism:

V=A×LV = A \times L

Where:

  • VV is the volume,
  • AA is the area of the triangular base,
  • LL is the length (or height) of the prism.

Step 1: Find the area of the equilateral triangle.

The formula for the area of an equilateral triangle is:

A=s234A = \frac{s^2 \sqrt{3}}{4}

Where ss is the side length of the triangle.

Given s=4.5s = 4.5 cm, we can substitute this into the formula:

A=(4.5)234=20.25×34A = \frac{(4.5)^2 \sqrt{3}}{4} = \frac{20.25 \times \sqrt{3}}{4}

Approximating 31.732\sqrt{3} \approx 1.732:

A=20.25×1.732435.0748.7675cm2A = \frac{20.25 \times 1.732}{4} \approx \frac{35.07}{4} \approx 8.7675 \, \text{cm}^2

Step 2: Calculate the volume.

Now that we have the area of the triangle, we can use the length of the prism, L=26cmL = 26 \, \text{cm}, to find the volume:

V=8.7675×26228.0cm3V = 8.7675 \times 26 \approx 228.0 \, \text{cm}^3

Final Answer:

The volume of the box is approximately 228cm3228 \, \text{cm}^3 to the nearest cubic centimeter.


Would you like further explanation on any part of the calculation? Here are some related questions to explore:

  1. How do you calculate the area of other types of triangles?
  2. What is the formula for the volume of a rectangular prism?
  3. How does changing the side length of the equilateral triangle affect the volume?
  4. Can the volume of a triangular prism be calculated if the triangle is not equilateral?
  5. How do you find the surface area of a triangular prism?

Tip: Always double-check the units in your final answer, ensuring consistency between the given dimensions and the calculated volume.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Volume of a Prism
Equilateral Triangle Area

Formulas

Volume of a triangular prism: V = A × L
Area of an equilateral triangle: A = (s^2 √3) / 4

Theorems

Area of an equilateral triangle
Volume of a prism

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10