Dr. Evers is experimenting with light beams and prisms. He passes a beam of white light through a triangular prism which spreads the light out into its six rainbow colors. The bases of the prism are equilateral triangles. The surface area of this prism is 4,292 square millimeters. The area of each triangular face is 271 square millimeters. Which expression can be used to find h, the height, in millimeters, of the prism?
- A. 4,292/3(25)
- B. 4,292/271
- C. (4,292-271)/25
- D. (4,292-2(271))/3(25)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
To find the height \( h \) of the prism, we start with the total surface area of the prism, which includes the two triangular bases and three rectangular sides. The area of the two triangular bases is \( 2 \times 271 = 542 \) square millimeters. Subtracting this from the total surface area gives \( 4,292 - 542 = 3,750 \) square millimeters for the area of the rectangular sides. Since the height \( h \) is involved in the area of the rectangles, dividing this area by the perimeter of the base (which is \( 3 \times 25 = 75 \) mm) leads to \( h = \frac{3,750}{75} \) or \( \frac{4,292 - 542}{75} \), simplifying to option D. Options A and B incorrectly compute the height without accounting for the rectangular areas properly. Option C miscalculates the area of the triangular bases and does not consider the full surface area needed to find \( h \). Thus, only option D correctly utilizes the total surface area and the dimensions of the prism to derive the height.
To find the height \( h \) of the prism, we start with the total surface area of the prism, which includes the two triangular bases and three rectangular sides. The area of the two triangular bases is \( 2 \times 271 = 542 \) square millimeters. Subtracting this from the total surface area gives \( 4,292 - 542 = 3,750 \) square millimeters for the area of the rectangular sides. Since the height \( h \) is involved in the area of the rectangles, dividing this area by the perimeter of the base (which is \( 3 \times 25 = 75 \) mm) leads to \( h = \frac{3,750}{75} \) or \( \frac{4,292 - 542}{75} \), simplifying to option D. Options A and B incorrectly compute the height without accounting for the rectangular areas properly. Option C miscalculates the area of the triangular bases and does not consider the full surface area needed to find \( h \). Thus, only option D correctly utilizes the total surface area and the dimensions of the prism to derive the height.
Other Related Questions
What is the slope of the line shown on the graph
- A. -0.333333333
- B. -3
- C. 3
- D. 1\3
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The slope of a line represents the change in y over the change in x (rise over run). Option D, \( \frac{1}{3} \), indicates a positive slope, suggesting that for every 3 units moved horizontally to the right, the line rises by 1 unit vertically. Option A, -0.3333, represents a negative slope, which would indicate a decline rather than an ascent. Option B, -3, also indicates a steep negative slope, suggesting a significant drop. Option C, 3, indicates a positive slope but is too steep compared to the graph's gentle incline. Thus, D accurately reflects the line's moderate upward trend.
The slope of a line represents the change in y over the change in x (rise over run). Option D, \( \frac{1}{3} \), indicates a positive slope, suggesting that for every 3 units moved horizontally to the right, the line rises by 1 unit vertically. Option A, -0.3333, represents a negative slope, which would indicate a decline rather than an ascent. Option B, -3, also indicates a steep negative slope, suggesting a significant drop. Option C, 3, indicates a positive slope but is too steep compared to the graph's gentle incline. Thus, D accurately reflects the line's moderate upward trend.
What is the equation, in standard form, of the line that passes through the points (-3, -4) and (3, -12)?
- A. 4x + 3y = 24
- B. 3x + 4y = -25
- C. 4x + 3y = -24
- D. 3x + 4y = -39
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
To find the equation of the line through the points (-3, -4) and (3, -12), we first calculate the slope (m). The slope is given by \( m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} = \frac{-12 - (-4)}{3 - (-3)} = \frac{-8}{6} = -\frac{4}{3} \). Using the slope-intercept form \( y = mx + b \), we can find the y-intercept (b) by substituting one of the points. This leads us to the equation \( y = -\frac{4}{3}x - 4 \). Rewriting it in standard form gives \( 4x + 3y = -24 \), matching option C. Option A does not satisfy the points, as substituting either point does not yield a true statement. Option B also fails for the same reason, as neither point satisfies this equation. Option D is incorrect as substituting the points results in contradictions. Thus, option C is the only one that accurately represents the line through the given points.
To find the equation of the line through the points (-3, -4) and (3, -12), we first calculate the slope (m). The slope is given by \( m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} = \frac{-12 - (-4)}{3 - (-3)} = \frac{-8}{6} = -\frac{4}{3} \). Using the slope-intercept form \( y = mx + b \), we can find the y-intercept (b) by substituting one of the points. This leads us to the equation \( y = -\frac{4}{3}x - 4 \). Rewriting it in standard form gives \( 4x + 3y = -24 \), matching option C. Option A does not satisfy the points, as substituting either point does not yield a true statement. Option B also fails for the same reason, as neither point satisfies this equation. Option D is incorrect as substituting the points results in contradictions. Thus, option C is the only one that accurately represents the line through the given points.
Read the phrase below.
the quotient of three less than a number and six more than four times a number
Which expression is equivalent to this phrase?
- A. (3-x)/(4x + 6)
- B. (x - 3)(4x + 6)
- C. (x-3)/(4x + 6)
- D. 4x - 3 + 6
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The phrase describes a mathematical expression involving a number, denoted as \( x \). "Three less than a number" translates to \( x - 3 \), while "six more than four times a number" translates to \( 4x + 6 \). Therefore, the entire expression is the quotient of these two parts, resulting in \( \frac{x - 3}{4x + 6} \), which matches option C. Option A incorrectly suggests a subtraction in the numerator, altering the intended expression. Option B implies multiplication instead of division, misrepresenting the relationship. Option D presents a simplified expression rather than a quotient, which does not align with the original phrase.
The phrase describes a mathematical expression involving a number, denoted as \( x \). "Three less than a number" translates to \( x - 3 \), while "six more than four times a number" translates to \( 4x + 6 \). Therefore, the entire expression is the quotient of these two parts, resulting in \( \frac{x - 3}{4x + 6} \), which matches option C. Option A incorrectly suggests a subtraction in the numerator, altering the intended expression. Option B implies multiplication instead of division, misrepresenting the relationship. Option D presents a simplified expression rather than a quotient, which does not align with the original phrase.
What is the area, in square inches, of a circle with diameter 2 inches?
- A. 6.28
- B. 3.14
- C. 1
- D. 12.56
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
To find the area of a circle, the formula \( A = \pi r^2 \) is used, where \( r \) is the radius. Given a diameter of 2 inches, the radius is 1 inch. Substituting this into the formula yields \( A = \pi (1)^2 = \pi \), which approximates to 3.14. Option A (6.28) incorrectly doubles the area, possibly confusing it with the circumference. Option C (1) neglects the use of \(\pi\), leading to an inaccurate calculation. Option D (12.56) mistakenly uses the formula for circumference, multiplying the diameter by \(\pi\) instead of squaring the radius. Thus, 3.14 accurately represents the area of the circle.
To find the area of a circle, the formula \( A = \pi r^2 \) is used, where \( r \) is the radius. Given a diameter of 2 inches, the radius is 1 inch. Substituting this into the formula yields \( A = \pi (1)^2 = \pi \), which approximates to 3.14. Option A (6.28) incorrectly doubles the area, possibly confusing it with the circumference. Option C (1) neglects the use of \(\pi\), leading to an inaccurate calculation. Option D (12.56) mistakenly uses the formula for circumference, multiplying the diameter by \(\pi\) instead of squaring the radius. Thus, 3.14 accurately represents the area of the circle.