Question

Suppose that a box has a base with a width of x, a length of x+3, and a height of 1 inch. It is cut from a square sheet of material with an area of 130 in2. Find the dimensions of the box.

Answer 1

Assuming the box is closed, it has 6 faces, so

2x(x+3) + 2x(1) + 2(x+3)(1) = 130
x^2+5x+3 = 65
x = 5.76
Hmmm. If the box is open, with no top, then
x(x+3) + 2x(1) + 2(x+3)(1) = 130
x^2+7x+6 = 130
x = 8.17

I guess x is not an integer.