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Problem involving polynomial equations

  1. Sep 20, 2006 #1
    Identical squares are cut out from each corner of a rectangular sheet of tin 8cm x 6cm. The sides are bent upward to form an open box. If the volume of the box is 16cm^3, what is the length of each side of the squares cut out from the original sheet?

    I came up with the following equations to start, I don't know if they're right though:

    xyz = 16cm^3
    2x + y = 8
    2x + z = 6

    I'll try to make a diagram and put it up later, if anyone thinks it would help.
  2. jcsd
  3. Sep 20, 2006 #2
    The equations look good. If you can eliminate either the y or the z from one of the second two equations you can solve it easily.

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