Square based prism general rule

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the properties and formulas related to square-based prisms, specifically focusing on surface area and volume calculations. Participants are exploring the distinctions between square-based prisms and rectangular prisms.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the applicability of formulas for rectangular prisms to square-based prisms, suggesting a need for clarification on the generality of the shapes involved. There is also a mention of missing information related to a specific question that may impact the discussion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing uncertainty about how to approach the problem. Some have raised concerns about the relevance of previous findings to the current exercise, while others have noted a shift in the topic's categorization within the forum.

Contextual Notes

One participant has indicated that they do not have the original question available, which may limit the depth of the discussion. There is also a reference to a potential transition to calculus-related topics, suggesting a broader context for the inquiry.

ashclouded
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Member warned about posting with no effort

Homework Statement


See attached picture

Homework Equations



For any rectangular prism, the formulas are the following:

Surface Area = 2(lw + wh + hl); l is length, w is width, and h is height.

Volume = lwh; l is length, w is width, and h is height.

For a square-based prism, the formulas are simplified into the following:

Surface Area = 2(s^2 + 2sh); s is side of square face and h is height.

Volume = s^2h; s is side of square face and h is height.

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not sure how to start the question at all[/B]
 

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You can't use a formula for a specific subgroup (rectangular prisms) for your square-based prisms ! The latter are more general than just rectangular.

Is there anything you did or found in question 2 that is relevant for the current exercise ?
 
I don't have the question and answe on me but I will post it tomorrow
Thanks for replying, I've no idea how to do this and it's bugging me
 
Well, some good spirit warned you (for obvious reasons), but also moved to the calculus part of PF. Why would that be ?
 

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