High School Math : How to find the length of an edge of a prism

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #81 : Solid Geometry

The length of a box is 3 times the width. Which of the following gives the length (L inches) in terms of the width (W inches) of the box?

Possible Answers:

L = 3/W

L = ½ (3W)

L = 3W

L = W + 3

Correct answer:

L = 3W

Explanation:

When reading word problems, there are certain clues that help interpret what is going on. The word “is” generally means “=” and the word “times” means it will be multiplied by something. Therefore, “the length of a box is 3 times the width” gives you the answer: L = 3 x W, or L = 3W.

Example Question #1 : Prisms

The width of a box, in inches, is 5 inches less than three times its length. Which of the following equations gives the width, W inches, in terms of the length, L inches, of the box?

Possible Answers:

W=5-3L

W=5L-3

W=3-5L

W=3L-5

Correct answer:

W=3L-5

Explanation:

We notice the width is “5 inches less than three times its width,” so we express W as being three times its width (3L) and 5 inches less than that is 3L minus 5. In this case, W is the dependent and L is the independent variable.

W = 3L - 5

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