Let $B$ be a right rectangular prism (box) with edges lengths $1,$ $3,$ and $4$, together with its interior. For real $r\geq0$, let $S(r)$ be the set of points in $3$-dimensional space that lie within a distance $r$ of some point in $B$. The volume of $S(r)$ can be expressed as $ar^{3} + br^{2} + cr +d$, where $a,$ $b,$ $c,$ and $d$ are positive real numbers. What is $\frac{bc}{ad}?$
Split $S(r)$ into 4 regions: 1. The rectangular prism itself 2. The extensions of the faces of $B$ 3. The quarter cylinders at each edge of $B$ 4. The one-eighth spheres at each corner of $B$ Region 1: The volume of $B$ is $1 \cdot 3 \cdot 4 = 12$, so $d=12$. Region 2: This volume is equal to the surface area of $B$ times $r$ (these "extensions" are just more boxes). The volume is then $\text{SA} \cdot r=2(1 \cdot 3 + 1 \cdot 4 + 3 \cdot 4)r=38r$ to get $c=38$. Region 3: We see that there are 12 quarter-cylinders, 4 of each type. We have 4 quarter-cylinders of height 1, 4 quarter-cylinders of height 3, 4 quarter-cylinders of height 4. Since 4 quarter-cylinders make a full cylinder, the total volume is $4 \cdot \dfrac{1\pi r^2}{4} + 4 \cdot \dfrac{3\pi r^2}{4} + 4 \cdot \dfrac{4 \pi r^2}{4}=8 \pi r^2$. Therefore, $b=8\pi$. Region 4: There is an eighth-sphere of radius $r$ at each corner of $B$. Since there are 8 corners, these eighth-spheres add up to 1 full sphere of radius $r$. The volume of this sphere is then $\frac{4}{3}\pi \cdot r^3$, so $a=\frac{4\pi}{3}$. Using these values, $\dfrac{bc}{ad}=\frac{(8\pi)(38)}{(4\pi/3)(12)} = \fbox{19}$. To see a diagram of $S(r)$, view TheBeautyofMath's explanation video (Video Solution 1). ~DrJoyo