Find the volume of the given prism

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    Prism Volume
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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on calculating the volume of a prism with dimensions 3m, 4m, and 6m. Participants debate the correctness of the textbook's solution, which states the volume as 36m³, arguing that the base is not a right triangle and that additional parameters are necessary for a unique solution. The conversation highlights the importance of clearly stating conditions in mathematical problems to avoid ambiguity. Ultimately, the consensus is that the volume can be calculated using the formula for the volume of a prism, which is the base area multiplied by height.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of prism geometry and volume calculation
  • Familiarity with the sine and cosine rules for non-right triangles
  • Knowledge of Heron's formula for triangle area calculation
  • Basic algebra for manipulating volume formulas
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  • Study the properties of prisms and their volume formulas
  • Learn how to apply the sine and cosine rules in triangle calculations
  • Explore Heron's formula for calculating the area of triangles
  • Review examples of ambiguous mathematical problems and their resolutions
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Students, educators, and anyone involved in geometry or mathematical problem-solving, particularly those focusing on volume calculations of prisms and related geometric figures.

  • #31
DaveC426913 said:
I have labeled the diagram here.

View attachment 296049
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.
Thanks Dave, noted ...cheers
 

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