Answer: the length of one edge of the square base of the second container is 6 inches.
Explanation:
The formula for determining the volume of a rectangular container is expressed as
Volume = length × width × height
Considering the first container,
Length = 12 inches
Width = 8 inches
Height to which the water is filled is 6 inches.
Therefore, volume of water in the container is
12 × 8 × 6 = 576 inches³
Considering the second container,
Height of water = 16 inches
Let L represent the length of the square base. Then the area of the square base is L²
Volume of water would be 16L²
Since the water in the first container was poured into the second container, then
16L² = 576
L² = 576/16 = 36
L = √36
L = 6 inches