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Calculus question

  1. Feb 14, 2004 #1
    I know this is simple, but I don't understand the English of this problem:

    An open box, no more than 5 cm in height, is to be formed by cutting four identical squares from the corners of a sheet of metal 25 cm by 32 cm, and folding up the metal to form sides. The capacity of the box must be 1575 cm^3. What is the side length of the squares removed?

    Anyone that cares to help or explain this problem will be welcome!
    Thanks in advance! :smile:
  2. jcsd
  3. Feb 14, 2004 #2
    problem makes little sense.
  4. Feb 14, 2004 #3
    Well I found the equation to be (32-2x)(25-2x)x=1575
    where x = 3.5
    But still, if anyone can explain this problem in a more simple format, then I can ensure myself won't be stuck in one of these word problems, it really took me too long to figure this out. Thanks in advance!
  5. Feb 15, 2004 #4
    ok, makes sense now- you are cutting squares on the corner
    edges of the sheet. Well, you solved the problem , what exactly
    do you need help on? The problem is pretty simple once
    we understand the instruction. A picture is worth a thousand
    Last edited: Feb 15, 2004
  6. Feb 15, 2004 #5
    I need help on solving word problems fast. I can solve an algebra mathematical problem like 10X faster than I can solve word problems. Any tips? :smile:
  7. Feb 15, 2004 #6
    Well, the key thing is to understand the problem.
    I screwed up on your question because I missed
    the keyword "corners", reading too rapidly. I thought
    the question asked one to cut the metal into 4
    squares, lol.

    So, read the problems slowly and draw a cartoon diagram
    of it, making sure you clearly see what you are solving.
    Last edited: Feb 15, 2004

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