How Do You Calculate the Surface Area of a Cone with Equal Diameter and Height?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the surface area of a cone where the diameter equals the height, the formula A = πr (r + √(h^2 + r^2)) is used, with h set as 2r. The discussion highlights the need for careful factorization and simplification, particularly in managing the square root terms. Participants clarify that the correct approach involves ensuring the formula includes the base area, leading to a total surface area expression of A = πr^2 + πrL, where L is the slant height. The conversation also touches on deriving the slant height using the Pythagorean theorem, emphasizing the importance of accurate calculations in homework assignments. Understanding these concepts is crucial for solving related problems effectively.
DGK
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Homework Statement



Determine a simplified, factorised expression, in terms of the radius (r), for the surface area of a cone where diameter (D) = perpendicular height (h)

Homework Equations



A = πr (r + √(h^2 + r^2))

The Attempt at a Solution



h=D=2r

A = πr (r + √(2r^2 + r^2))

A/π = r (r + √(2r^2 + r^2))
 
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You can factorise the inside of your square root, which will set the scene for further simplification. Ideally you want to get r outside of the square root.
 
A/pi = r (r + sqrt( r (2r + r))Is this right? I really don't know what I'm doing!
 
andrewkirk said:
You can factorise the inside of your square root, which will set the scene for further simplification. Ideally you want to get r outside of the square root.
Thanks for your response!

See above for my reply...sorry I'm new to this!
 
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DGK said:
A/pi = r (r + sqrt( r (2r + r))
You could've factored out another r from the red part. Then use ##\sqrt{a^2b}=\sqrt{a^2}\sqrt{b}=a\sqrt{b}##.

Also no need to divide both sides by pi, you want to find A not A/pi.

And what is h2? You seem to say its 2r2.
 
DGK there's a further problem that the formula you give for A in the OP under '2. Homework Equations ' is wrong. Show the working by which you got to that formula, and somebody will show you where you went wrong.
 
DGK said:

Homework Statement



Determine a simplified, factorised expression, in terms of the radius (r), for the surface area of a cone where diameter (D) = perpendicular height (h)

Homework Equations



A = πr (r + √(h^2 + r^2))

The Attempt at a Solution



h=D=2r

A = πr (r + √((2r)^2 + r^2))

You miss the parentheses around 2r.
 
andrewkirk said:
DGK there's a further problem that the formula you give for A in the OP under '2. Homework Equations ' is wrong. Show the working by which you got to that formula, and somebody will show you where you went wrong.
The relevant equation A = πr (r + √(h^2 + r^2)) is correct.
 
ehild said:
The relevant equation A = πr (r + √(h^2 + r^2)) is correct.
It is if you include the base. I assumed he wasn't.
 
  • #10
andrewkirk said:
It is if you include the base. I assumed he wasn't.
Why? It would be the lateral surface area.
 
  • #11
Here's another way of looking at it. A cone with base radius r and height h has "slant height" \sqrt{r^2+ h^2} by the Pythagorean theorem. Imagine cutting a slit from the base to the tip of the cone, then flattening it. (A cone is a "developable surface" and can be flattened without warping.)

It will flatten to part of a disk with radius \sqrt{r^2+ h^2}. To see what part, look at the two circumferences. Since the cone had base radius r, the circumference of that base is 2\pi r. A circle with radius \sqrt{r^2+ h^2} has circumference 2\pi\sqrt{r^2+ h^2}.

[ mod edit ]
 
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  • #12
Isn't the relevant equation
πr^2 + πrL
L = √(r^2+h^2)
= √(r^2+(2r)^2)
L^2 = r^2+(2r)^2
= (3r)^2
L = √3r
 
  • #13
John Verghese said:
Isn't the relevant equation
πr^2 + πrL
L = √(r^2+h^2)
= √(r^2+(2r)^2)
L^2 = r^2+(2r)^2
= (3r)^2
L = √3r

It is wrong. Expand (2r)^2. It is not 2r^2!
 
  • #14
John Verghese said:
Isn't the relevant equation
πr^2 + πrL
L = √(r^2+h^2)
= √(r^2+(2r)^2)
L^2 = r^2+(2r)^2
= (3r)^2
L = √3r
Then:
TSA = πr^2 + πr√3r
= πr^2 + √3πr^2
= πr^2(1+√3)
 
  • #15
ehild said:
It is wrong. Expand (2r)^2. It is not 2r^2!
Ahhh ok thanks heaps (this exact question is in my assignment)
would it instead be:
L^2 = r^2 + (2r)^2
= r^2 + 4r^2
= 5r^2
L = √5r
or
L = 5√r
?
 
  • #16
Which one do you think? How do you apply the square root to a product? What is √(ab)?
 
  • #17
ehild said:
Which one do you think? How do you apply the square root to a product? What is √(ab)?
so is it:
L = √5r
or
L = 5√r
 
  • #18
You have to know. Answer my question: √(ab)=?
 
  • #19
The next part of the question is:
A rectangular prism has:
- Height equivalent to the slant height (L) of the cone in part a
- Length twice the diameter of the cone in part a
- width 5 times the radius of the cone in part a
Determine a simplified factorised expression, in terms of the radius (r), for the volume of the rectangular prism.

All i have so far is:
V = LxWxH
H = √5r or 5√r
L = 2D = 2(2r) = 4r
W = 5r
V = 4r x 5r x ...
and I don't know where to go from there.
 
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