Calculating Surface Area of Mathematically Similar Frustums: A Beginner's Guide

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the surface area of two mathematically similar frustums with heights of 20cm and 30cm, where the smaller frustum has a surface area of 450cm². The key insight is that since the frustums are similar, the ratio of their surface areas is the square of the ratio of their heights, specifically (30/20)² = (3/2)² = 9/4. Thus, the surface area of the larger frustum is calculated as 450cm² * (9/4) = 1012.5cm².

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of geometric concepts, specifically frustums.
  • Knowledge of ratios and proportions in mathematics.
  • Familiarity with surface area calculations.
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of similar geometric figures.
  • Learn about the surface area formulas for different shapes, including frustums.
  • Practice problems involving ratios and proportions in geometry.
  • Explore dimensional analysis in mathematical calculations.
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Students studying geometry, educators teaching surface area concepts, and anyone needing to understand the properties of similar shapes in mathematics.

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hi, soz, this is way below my level but i havnt done these in age and are tired and getting in a muddle. thnx for clarifying things...

Homework Statement



Two mathematically similar frustums have heights of 20cm and 30cm

The surface area of the smaller frustum is 450cm^2

qu) calculate the surface area of the larger frustum

Homework Equations



surface area of a frustum = 2pi x dia. x (square root)[h^2 + d^2]

The Attempt at a Solution



right, i am being a moron i know, but i forget where the dimensional adjustment to

20/450 = 30/ans

is amplied. I was thinking of something like:

20/450^2 = 30/ans^2

but then i tried using my own example of stuff like cubes and swaures and stuff and it didnt work.

then i tried

20^2/450 = 30^2/ans

but then using my own dimensional examples it didnt work.

i also tried using the surface area formula for frustums, but that didnt work either.


i know i am being a dumbhead, but hey, i guess its got i havn't answered these qus in years lol. and it called a frustum for a reason ;)


thnx
 
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Trail_Builder said:
hi, soz, this is way below my level but i havnt done these in age and are tired and getting in a muddle. thnx for clarifying things...

Homework Statement



Two mathematically similar frustums have heights of 20cm and 30cm

The surface area of the smaller frustum is 450cm^2

qu) calculate the surface area of the larger frustum

Homework Equations



surface area of a frustum = 2pi x dia. x (square root)[h^2 + d^2]
Irrelevant! You are told that these figures are "mathematically similar" which means that they have the same "shap": all lengths in the large one are 30/20= 3/2 the corresponding small one. Since the "area" of anything depends upon multiplying two lengths together, area always is proportion to the square of a length. If in going from the smaller to the larger, all lengths are multiplied by 3/2, what is the area multiplied by?

The Attempt at a Solution



right, i am being a moron i know, but i forget where the dimensional adjustment to

20/450 = 30/ans

is amplied. I was thinking of something like:

20/450^2 = 30/ans^2

but then i tried using my own example of stuff like cubes and swaures and stuff and it didnt work.

then i tried

20^2/450 = 30^2/ans

but then using my own dimensional examples it didnt work.

i also tried using the surface area formula for frustums, but that didnt work either.


i know i am being a dumbhead, but hey, i guess its got i havn't answered these qus in years lol. and it called a frustum for a reason ;)


thnx
 
would it be 9/4?
 

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