Is Ali correct that the volume…

Mathematics Questions

Is Ali correct that the volume of the rectangular pyramid is three times that of the triangular pyramid?

Short Answer

The volume of Shape 1 is calculated using the formula 1/3(l)(w)(h) resulting in 20, while Shape 2 uses 1/3(1/2 B H1)H2 to yield a volume of 10. Thus, Shape 1 is twice the volume of Shape 2, disproving Ali’s claim that it is three times larger.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understand the Volume Formula for Shapes

The volume of a shape can be calculated using specific formulas. For Shape 1, the formula is 1/3 * (length)(width)(height), which helps in determining the volume of a prism or pyramid. The dimensions need to be multiplied appropriately before applying the fraction to find the total volume.

  • For Shape 1: Formula is 1/3(l)(w)(h)
  • For Shape 2: Formula is 1/3(1/2 B H1)H2

Step 2: Calculate the Volumes

Now, we can substitute the given dimensions into the formulas to compute the volumes for Shape 1 and Shape 2. This involves careful multiplication and applying the fractional factor at the end. It is essential to follow the order of operations to avoid mistakes.

  • For Shape 1: 1/3(4)(3)(5) = 20
  • For Shape 2: 1/3(1/2 x 4 x 5)3 = 10

Step 3: Compare the Volumes and Address Misconceptions

After computing the volumes, it is critical to compare them accurately. We find that the volume of Shape 1 is 20, while Shape 2 has a volume of 10. This clearly shows that Shape 1 is twice as much as Shape 2 since 10 multiplied by 2 equals 20; hence, Ali’s statement of it being three times more is incorrect.

  • Shape 1 Volume: 20
  • Shape 2 Volume: 10
  • Conclusion: 20 is twice as much as 10, not three times.

Related Concepts

Volume formula

A mathematical equation used to calculate the volume of a three-dimensional shape, often dependent on the shape’s dimensions and specific to its geometric properties.

Order of operations

A mathematical rule that dictates the sequence in which calculations should be performed to ensure accurate results, typically following the conventions of parentheses, exponents, multiplication, and division, then addition and subtraction.

Comparison of volumes

The process of evaluating and contrasting the volumes of different shapes or objects to determine their relative sizes or amounts, often leading to conclusions about their proportionality.

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