Which volume-to-surface-area ratio would be better for an ice cube— the lowest possible or the highest possible? Use the table to help you try different shapes and sizes to make your selection (You can show your work on a separate piece of paper.):

Answer 1

The highest possible volume-to-surface-area ratio would be better for an ice cube. This is because a higher ratio means that the ice cube has a larger volume relative to its surface area, which means that it will take longer for the ice cube to melt. To find the highest possible ratio, we can look at the table and compare the different shapes and sizes. For example, a cube with a side length of 2 cm has a volume of 8 cm3 and a surface area of 24 cm2, giving it a ratio of 8/24 = 0.33. A sphere with a radius of 1 cm has a volume of 4.19 cm3 and a surface area of 12.57 cm2, giving it a ratio of 4.19/12.57 = 0.33. Therefore, the cube and the sphere have the same ratio, and the highest possible ratio is 0.33.