The volume of a rectangular prism can be calculated with the formula V=lwh , where V is the volume, l is the length, w is the width, and h is the height. If a rectangular prism has a volume of 90 ft.^3 , length of 3 ft., and height of 12 ft., what is its width? Enter your answer as a decimal.

1 answer

To find the width of the rectangular prism, we can use the volume formula:

\[ V = lwh \]

Where:

  • \( V \) is the volume
  • \( l \) is the length
  • \( w \) is the width
  • \( h \) is the height

We know the following values:

  • \( V = 90 , \text{ft}^3 \)
  • \( l = 3 , \text{ft} \)
  • \( h = 12 , \text{ft} \)

Substituting the known values into the formula:

\[ 90 = 3 \times w \times 12 \]

Now, we can simplify the right side:

\[ 90 = 36w \]

Next, we will solve for \( w \) by dividing both sides of the equation by 36:

\[ w = \frac{90}{36} \]

Calculating \( \frac{90}{36} \):

\[ w = 2.5 \]

Thus, the width of the rectangular prism is:

\[ \boxed{2.5} , \text{ft} \]