the width of a square-based storage tank is 3m less than its height. The tank has a capacity of 20m^3. If the dimensions are integer values in metres, what are they?

Answer 1

each side of base --- x m
height --- x+3

x^2(x+3) = 20
x^3 + 3x^2 = 20

since the solution is to be an integer, try
x=1 , 1 + 3 = 20 , no
x=2, 8 + 3(4) = 20 ,YES

well, that was easy.
base is 2 m by 2, with a height of 5

Answer 2

but its less than 3

Answer 3

base is 2 m by 2 m
height is 2+3 = 5 m

volume = 2x2x5 = 20

My answer is correct.

what do you mean by "but its less than 3"

Answer 4

oh nothing , i get it now, thank you :)