Understanding the Trough Problem: 10ft Pipe with Isoceles Triangle Ends

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding a problem related to a trough that is 10 feet long with isosceles triangle ends, specifically focusing on its dimensions and shape. Participants are attempting to clarify the geometry of the trough and how to approach the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the term "trough" and its relation to the problem, suggesting a need for clarification on its shape and dimensions.
  • Another participant describes the trough as a container with a triangular cross-section and a constant length of 10 feet.
  • A different participant suggests visualizing the trough as a long section of pipe with a triangular cross-section, indicating that one side is removed.
  • There is a clarification about the dimensions, stating that the distance across the top of the triangle is 3 feet.
  • Another participant confirms that the height of the trough is 1 foot.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the basic shape and dimensions of the trough, but there is some confusion regarding the terminology and the specific geometric interpretation of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the definitions and the visual representation of the trough, which may affect their understanding of the problem.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in geometry, specifically in understanding shapes and dimensions in practical applications, as well as those working on related homework problems.

JasonRox
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This is the beginning of a question and I have NO clue what the hell they are talking about.

A trough is 10ft long and its ends have the shape of isoceles triangles that are 3ft across at the top and have a height of 1ft.

This is just the beginning of the question. I looked up what trough is and I found it to be some sort of pipe.

I can't solve the problem without this.

I'm thinking of a pipe that is 10 feet long and 1 feet high. That is the volume of a cylinder. Plus, 2 cones on the tips of some kind. I really don't know.

Any help?
 
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A trough is, erm, something that farm animals eat out of, amongst other things. Just imagine you've got a container that is prism of constant cross section (the triangle) and of length 10ft. That is the trough.

Feet? Oh well. Never mind.
 
take a long section of pipe with a triangular cross section. remove one of the sides and you'll have your trough.
 
Like this...

\...../
..\_________/

...is that it?

3 feet across the top, from what?
 
Yes that would be a trough, I would say the distance between the top corner of the trough to the other top corner is 3 feet.
 
In other words, the trough is 1 feet tall.
 

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