The discussion revolves around finding the volume of a prism, specifically addressing a textbook question that involves calculating the volume based on given dimensions. Participants are evaluating the correctness of the provided solution and the assumptions made regarding the shape of the base.
The conversation is ongoing, with participants offering various perspectives on the problem. Some have suggested that the original poster clarify the conditions of the problem, while others have pointed out potential ambiguities in the provided information. There is a recognition of the need for more context to arrive at a definitive answer.
Participants note that the problem lacks explicit conditions that are crucial for determining a unique solution. There are references to previous discussions about similar issues, indicating a pattern of misunderstanding regarding the problem's requirements.
Thanks Dave, noted ...cheersDaveC426913 said:I have labeled the diagram here.
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You are talking about abcd.
It could be a rectangle - though it sure doesn't look like one. It could also be a rhombus, though that is unlikely too. A rhombus has four equal-length sides. We would need to know that ab is the same length as bc, and we have no reason to assume that.
All we really know is that it's a parallelogram (because we constructed it to have parallel sides).
But it's actually irrelevant which one it is; they all use the same formula: bxh.You cannot assume this. Though, again, its actual sub-shape doesn't come into play in this case.