Polynomial functions and calculating dimensions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving polynomial functions and volume calculations related to a rectangular storage unit. The original poster, Maria, seeks to determine how to increase the dimensions of a scale model to achieve a volume that is nine times greater than the original model's volume.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the dimensions and volume, questioning how to maintain the scale while increasing the volume. There is discussion about the correct formulation of the volume equation and the implications of changing the dimensions.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing various interpretations and questioning the assumptions made about the volume and dimensions. Some guidance has been offered regarding maintaining the scale ratio, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach to solve the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the requirement to keep the ratio of dimensions consistent while increasing the volume, leading to confusion about the appropriate mathematical expressions to use.

euro94
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Maria designed a rectangular storage unit with dimensions 1m by 2m by 4m. By what should he increase each dimension to produce an actual storage that is 9 times the volume of his scale model?

v= (1) (2) (4)
v= 8

v has to be 9 times larger
v= (x+1) (x+2) (x+4)

How do i find the value of x?
 
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First thing, do you know what
(x+1) (x+2) (x+4)
should be equal to?
 
Do you do 8^9?
 
So the final volume is 134217728? or do you just do 8*9?
 
euro94 said:
Do you do 8^9?

nono, you do not take 8 to the 9th power.
Maria is simply trying to make the storage 9 times the original volume.

or do you just do 8*9?
That is correct but I'm not sure you fully understood where you got the 8*9 from

Regardless, what I meant by
do you know what
(x+1) (x+2) (x+4)
should be equal to?
Was that this is incorrect.

If he wants the model to keep the same scale the ratio of the dimensions must still be 1:2:4

If you use (x+1)(x+2)(x+4), any x you put in there will change that ratio, take x = 1, then you'd get 2:3:5, which is not equivelant to 1:2:4.

How do you suppose we would go about changing the volume whilst keeping that ratio constant?
 
I'm not sure, change the values of (x+1)(x+2)(x+4)
 
euro94 said:
I'm not sure, change the values of (x+1)(x+2)(x+4)

That will not retain the scale of the box.
 
expand the function?
 
Which function?
 
  • #10
expand (x+2)(x+4)(x+1)?
 
  • #11
or (x+1)(x+2)^2(x+4)^4
 
  • #12
ohhh or is it 72=(x)(2x)(4x)?
 
  • #13
euro94 said:
ohhh or is it 72=(x)(2x)(4x)?
That is correct but I feel like you're just guessing at this point, do you understand WHY this is?

(x+1)(x+2)^2(x+4)^4
Where did you get this from?
 
  • #14
Well i tried 72 = (x+4)(x+1)(x+2) and i subbed in 2, and it worked out.
 

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