Question

A rectangular building with a square base is being designed to minimize heat loss. The building designers state that the volume of the building must be exactly 4000 m^3. Write an equation for y, the height of the building, in terms of x, the length and width of the base.

Answer 1

y = 4000/x²

Explanation:

The volume of the building is expressed as;

V = x²y where;

x is the length and width of the base.

y is the height of the building

Given

Volume V = 4000m³

Substitute the given volume into the equation as shown;

4000 = x²y

Make y the subject of the formula by dividing both sides by x²

4000/x² = x²y/x²

4000/x² = y

Rearrange

y = 4000/x²

Hence equation for y, the height of the building, in terms of x, the length and width of the base is expressed as y = 4000/x²