Final answer:
Insufficient information is provided to solve for the cubic inches of modeling clay needed by Sam to build a pyramid bookend. The base area of the pyramid is required to calculate the volume, along with the height of the pyramid, which we have as 18 inches.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question requires calculating the cubic inches of modeling clay needed by Sam to build a pyramid bookend with a right triangular base that fits an 18 inches height. The missing information is the base area of the pyramid. However, if we attempt to answer based on the given volume of an object, we would multiply the length, width, and height for a rectangular volume. For a pyramid with a right triangular base, we would need the base area (length times width) and height to find its volume. The formula for the volume of a pyramid is V = (1/3) x base area x height.
Without the base area, we cannot provide a definitive answer. Therefore, the problem lacks enough information to solve for the cubic inches of modeling clay needed. In real-world situations, like the one exemplified where we have a Take-Home Experiment balancing a cylinder on modeling clay with pennies, precision and complete information are crucial.