Simplistic Surface Area Problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the surface area of a composite geometric shape consisting of a cylinder topped with a right circular cone, both sharing the same base diameter, denoted as 'd'. The surface area equations provided are correct, but the user mistakenly included the area of the cylinder's top face, which is not needed since the cone covers it. The correct approach results in a surface area of approximately 234.834 square inches when the diameter 'd' is set to 5 inches, highlighting the importance of understanding geometric configurations in surface area calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of geometric shapes, specifically cylinders and cones.
  • Familiarity with surface area formulas for cones and cylinders.
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations.
  • Knowledge of approximation techniques in mathematical calculations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the surface area formulas for composite shapes in geometry.
  • Practice problems involving the calculation of surface areas for various geometric configurations.
  • Explore the concept of slant height in conical shapes and its impact on surface area.
  • Learn about the implications of including or excluding certain areas in surface area calculations.
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Students studying geometry, educators teaching surface area concepts, and anyone interested in mathematical problem-solving involving composite shapes.

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I stumbled across a problem in one of my old math books, and the answer key is either wrong, or there's something I'm missing.

Homework Statement



All units are in inches.

Find the approx. surface area (in inches squared) of this object: A cylinder with a right circular cone on top of it, both with equal base diameters.

The diameter of the cone & cylinder base: d

The cone has a slant height modeled by: d - .6

The cylinder's height is modeled by: d + 4

Homework Equations



As given by the book:

Surface area of cone:

\pi r(r + l), where r is the radius and l is the slant height.

Surface area of cylinder:

2\pi r^2+2\pi rh, where r is the radius and h is the height.

The Attempt at a Solution



Cone surface area:

\pi (\frac {1}{2}d)((\frac {1}{2}d)+(d-.6))

Cylinder Surface Area:

2\pi ((\frac {1}{2}d))^2 + 2\pi (\frac {1}{2}d)(d + 4)

Combined formula:

\frac {299\pi}{4}

For the first problem, when d = 5, my possible answers (in inches squared) are 278, 196, 44, and 38. But I keep getting 234.834! I know it asks for an approximate number, but 234 is way off from any of the answers.

Any insight to what I'm doing wrong?

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
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your formula for surface area of a cylinder includes the area of both ends. Since, here, you have the cone sitting on one end of the cylinder, you probably should not include that area.
 
HallsofIvy said:
your formula for surface area of a cylinder includes the area of both ends. Since, here, you have the cone sitting on one end of the cylinder, you probably should not include that area.

Yeah, that was my problem. Thanks a bunch.
 

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