Question

Franklin used the polynomial expression x(x−3)(x+4) to model the volume of a rectangular prism. What is the length of the shortest side of this prism? A x B x−3 C x2−3x D x3+x2−12x

Answer 1

`x - 3`

Explanation:

Given

`Volume = x(x - 3)(x + 4)`

Required

The shortest side

The volume of a rectangular prism is:

`Volume = Length * Width * Height`

By comparison, we have:

`Length = x`

`Width = x-3`

`Height = x + 4`

In ascending order, the sides are:

`Width = x-3`

`Length = x`

`Height = x + 4`

This is so because:

Irrespective of the value of x

x - 3 will be less than x

x + 4 will be more than x

Hence, the shortest length is:

`Width = x-3`