Question

A box's volume is equal to 600 cubic

inches. If the width of the box is 7
inches less than the length, and the
height is 10 inches less than the length,
find the dimensions of the box.

Answer 1

Explanation:

Length = x

width = x - 7

height = x - 10

volume = 600 in^3

Volume = L * w * h

600 = x * (x - 7)*(x - 10)

600 = x * (x^2 - 17x + 70)

600 = x^3 - 17x^2 + 70x

x^3 - 17x^2 + 70x - 600 = 0

There is a genius somewhere that could solve this using algebra. The rest of us have 2 choices. We can graph it (see below) or we could use a program that solves it for us. I'll do both for you.

a = 1

b = - 17

c = 70

d = - 600

There is only 1 real solution: x = 15

L = 15

w = 8

h = 5

That has to be one of the ugliest graphs made. It does into the hundreds of thousands and it still looks like a straight line. Trust me. It's not.