QuestionAn open-top box is to be constructed from a sheet of tin that measures 24 inches by 16 inches by cutting out squares from each corner as shown and then folding up the sides. Let denote the volume of the resulting box.
Step 2 of 2 : Among the values of for which , which are physically possible?
Studdy Solution
STEP 1
What is this asking? We're finding the *realistic* sizes of the squares we can cut from a 24x16 inch sheet to make a box with *zero* volume. Watch out! Math might give us some *crazy* answers, but we have to remember we're dealing with a *real* box!
STEP 2
1. Define the function
2. Find the zeros
3. Check for physical possibility
STEP 3
Alright, so we're building a box!
We start with a sheet of tin that's **24 inches** long and **16 inches** wide.
We're cutting squares of side length from each corner.
STEP 4
When we fold up the sides, the *length* of the box becomes , the *width* becomes , and the *height* is just .
STEP 5
The *volume* of a box is length times width times height.
So, our volume function is .
STEP 6
We want to find the values of where the volume is *zero*.
That means we're solving , or .
STEP 7
This equation is *true* if any of the factors are zero.
So, we have three possibilities: , , or .
STEP 8
Let's solve .
Adding to both sides gives .
Dividing both sides by **2** gives us .
STEP 9
Now let's solve .
Adding to both sides gives .
Dividing both sides by **2** gives us .
STEP 10
And of course, we have .
So our solutions are , , and .
STEP 11
If , we haven't cut anything out, so we don't have a box.
That makes sense because the volume would be zero!
STEP 12
If , we're cutting out squares of side length **8 inches** from each corner.
The width of the tin sheet is only **16 inches**, so cutting out inches would leave us with *no width*!
So isn't physically possible.
STEP 13
If , we're cutting out squares of side length **12 inches**.
The length of the tin sheet is **24 inches**, so cutting out inches would leave us with *no length*!
So isn't physically possible either.
STEP 14
Only is physically possible, even though it doesn't actually make a box.
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