Question

Sarah has a pot that she wants to boil water in to make macaroni and cheese. Which of the following is the best estimate for the shape and size of that pot?

Question 5 options:

Rectangular Prism with a side length of 4 feet


Sphere with a radius of 35 cm


Cone with a radius of 5 inches and a height of 10 inches


Cylinder with a radius of 3 inches and a height of 5 inches

Answer 1

To boil water for macaroni and cheese, Sarah would need a pot that is practical in both shape and size.

Let's evaluate the options:

1. **Rectangular Prism with a side length of 4 feet**: This shape is quite large for just making macaroni and cheese, as it could hold an excessive amount of water.

2. **Sphere with a radius of 35 cm**: While a spherical shape could hold water, it is not practical for cooking as pots typically have a flat base for stability on a stove.

3. **Cone with a radius of 5 inches and a height of 10 inches**: This shape is not ideal as it has a small base and a tapering top, which may not provide sufficient area for cooking.

4. **Cylinder with a radius of 3 inches and a height of 5 inches**: This option is the most practical. A cylindrical shape allows for a stable base, which is good for cooking, and the size is reasonable for boiling water for macaroni and cheese.

Given these evaluations, the **Cylinder with a radius of 3 inches and a height of 5 inches** is the best estimate for the shape and size of the pot that Sarah should use to boil water for her macaroni and cheese.