Polynomial functions and calculating dimensions

AI Thread Summary
Maria designed a rectangular storage unit with dimensions 1m by 2m by 4m, resulting in a volume of 8 cubic meters. To achieve a storage unit with a volume nine times larger, the target volume becomes 72 cubic meters. The discussion emphasizes that maintaining the original ratio of dimensions (1:2:4) is crucial when scaling up. Participants clarify that simply increasing dimensions using (x+1)(x+2)(x+4) would alter the ratio, leading to incorrect results. Ultimately, the correct approach involves finding a method to increase the dimensions while preserving the original proportions.
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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