Let's try an application question using scale factor and the surface area of a cylinder.

Example 2

Paint cans are made of a durable metal alloy that holds paint until it is ready to be applied. A small paint company wants to develop a new, larger can for its customers. The dimensions of the new can are each to be enlarged to 150% of the dimensions of the original-sized can of paint. The original can has a diameter of 6.5 inches and a height of 7.75 inches. If the surface area of the original can is 224.6 in2, determine the height and surface area of the larger paint can.

Determine the scale factor.

Determine the height of the new paint can.

Determine the surface area of the new paint can.

The height of the new paint can is 11.625 inches and the surface area is 505.35 inches2.

 

For further information about surface area and scale factor see pp. 496 to 498 of Principles of Mathematics 11.