Surface area to volume ratio problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the surface area of a sphere with a volume of 0.2 m³ without directly finding the radius. The key insight is that the surface area to volume ratio can be expressed as 3/r, where r is the radius. By manipulating the equations for volume (v = 4/3πr³) and surface area (sa = 4πr²), participants suggest substituting one equation into the other to solve for surface area directly. The final goal is to derive the surface area without explicitly calculating the radius.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of geometric formulas for volume and surface area of spheres
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation of equations
  • Knowledge of ratios and their applications in geometry
  • Basic calculus concepts related to limits and functions (optional)
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the derivation of surface area from volume for different geometric shapes
  • Learn about dimensional analysis and its applications in geometry
  • Investigate the implications of surface area to volume ratios in biological and physical systems
  • Study advanced algebraic techniques for solving equations with multiple variables
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Students studying geometry, educators teaching mathematical concepts, and anyone interested in the applications of surface area and volume in real-world scenarios.

uchicago2012
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Homework Statement


Find the surface area of a sphere whose volume is .2 m^3. For full credit, do it without finding the radius.


Homework Equations


This can be solved using
v= 4/3(pi)r^3 and sa= 4(pi)r^2, but my prof doesn't want that.


The Attempt at a Solution


so if you manipulate the volume and surface area formulas you can get that the sa:v ratio is 3/r, by cancelling the variables and such. I don't know where to go from there, though, even after reading about the surface area to volume ratio. I did solve the problem using regular math (I got 1.7 m^2) but I haven't been able to do anything else useful without solving for r.

Thanks in advance for any help.
 
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You'll need to do something a little more complicated than just finding the ratio. You have two equations which share a common variable, r; try solving one of the equations for r and substituting it into the other one.
 
Your problem does not require finding "surface to volume ratio". It simply asks you what the surface area of a sphere with a known volume is.

Hint:

What is the ratio:

[tex] \frac{SA^{3}}{V^2} = ?[/tex]

equal to? Is it dependent on the radius? Can you solve this equation with respect to V?
 

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