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Lesson 2

1. Lesson 2

1.7. Explore 3

Mathematics 20-3 Module 7

Module 7: Volume and Capacity

 

Solving for an Unknown Dimension Given the Volume or Capacity

 

Can you find a missing dimension when given the volume or capacity of a prism or cylinder and the other dimensions? It's time to try.

 

Example

 

This is a photo of a tractor trailer being driven past a grain field.

iStockphoto/Thinkstock

The tractor trailer in the photograph is hauling a rectangular trailer with a capacity of 101.24 m3. If the width and height of the trailer are 2.5 m and 3 m, respectively, what is the trailer’s length? Work through the solution in Trailer Length.

 

This play button opens Trailer Length.

iStockphoto/Thinkstock

 

Self-Check 2
  1. A cylinder is 1000 cm3 in volume. Its height is 20 cm. What is the cylinder’s radius? Round your answer to the nearest tenth of a centimetre. Answer

  2. A cylindrical paint can has a diameter of 7 in. How high does the can need to be to hold 1 gal (US)? Remember, 1 gal (US) = 231 in3. Round your answer to the nearest tenth of an inch. Answer

    This is a photo of a paint can and a brush.
    iStockphoto/Thinkstock

  3. Determine the height, in metres, of the following shipping container. Round your answer to two decimal places. Answer

    This is an image of a shipping container. It is 2.325 metres wide and 5.598 metres long. Its capacity is 33.2 cubic metres. The height is unknown.
    iStockphoto/Thinkstock
Try This 3

Volume and Capacity Puzzle

 

This image shows 4 cylinders: 2 are 10 litres, 1 is 5 litres, and 1 is 4 litres.

Miriam has two 10-L containers, a 5-L container, and a 4-L container. The two 10-L containers are full of water. By transferring water from container to container, she must end up with 2 L in the 5-L container and 2 L in the 4-L container. She must not spill or discard a drop of water. Help Miriam find a solution.

 

Share 2

 

Share your solution to the puzzle with a partner or with a group of people. How do your solutions compare? Many different solutions exist for this puzzle. Check your solutions to ensure each one works.

 

course folder Save your solution and one other group member’s solution in your course folder.