What is the volume of a rectangular prism that has a height of 10 1/2 in. A length of 6 2/3 in, and a width of 2 1/4 in, is it large enough to hold an item that has a height of 8 in. A length of 6 in. And a width of 2 in.

1 answer

To find the volume of the rectangular prism, you can use the formula for the volume of a rectangular prism:

\[ \text{Volume} = \text{Length} \times \text{Width} \times \text{Height} \]

First, convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions:

  1. Height: \( 10 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{21}{2} \) inches
  2. Length: \( 6 \frac{2}{3} = \frac{20}{3} \) inches
  3. Width: \( 2 \frac{1}{4} = \frac{9}{4} \) inches

Now, plug these values into the volume formula:

\[ \text{Volume} = \frac{20}{3} \times \frac{9}{4} \times \frac{21}{2} \]

Calculating step by step:

  1. Multiply the fractions:

\[ \frac{20 \times 9 \times 21}{3 \times 4 \times 2} \]

  1. Calculate the numerator:

\[ 20 \times 9 = 180 \] \[ 180 \times 21 = 3780 \]

So, the numerator is \( 3780 \).

  1. Calculate the denominator:

\[ 3 \times 4 = 12 \] \[ 12 \times 2 = 24 \]

So, the denominator is \( 24 \).

  1. Now, put it all together:

\[ \text{Volume} = \frac{3780}{24} \]

  1. Simplify the fraction:

\[ \frac{3780 \div 12}{24 \div 12} = \frac{315}{2} \]

Thus,

\[ \text{Volume} = 157.5 \text{ cubic inches} \]

Now, we need to check if this volume can hold the item with dimensions:

  • Height: \( 8 \) inches
  • Length: \( 6 \) inches
  • Width: \( 2 \) inches

Calculating the volume of the item:

\[ \text{Volume of item} = 6 \times 2 \times 8 = 96 \text{ cubic inches} \]

Now, we compare the volumes:

  • Volume of the rectangular prism: \( 157.5 \) cubic inches
  • Volume of the item: \( 96 \) cubic inches

Since \( 157.5 \text{ cubic inches} > 96 \text{ cubic inches} \), the rectangular prism is large enough to hold the item.