Using Area and Volume Formulas

by Gloria
(Puerto Rico)

A pizza box measures l7 inches long, l6 l/2 inches wide, and 2 inches high. what is the total area of the box and what is the volume?

Comments for Using Area and Volume Formulas

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

May 16, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Using Area and Volume Formulas
by: Karin

Hi Gloria,

You need to find the surface area, which means finding the area of all surfaces on the pizza box. The pizza box has a top and bottom, which will have the same area. It also has a front and back and then 2 sides. We have to find the area of each of those sides.

The area formula for a rectangle is: A = l x w.
Area = length times width.

So, for your cereal box:
We'll first find the area of the top and bottom. The top and bottom is the length and width of the pizza box.
A = l x w
A = 17 x 16.5
A = 280.5 in^2

Now we'll find the area of the front of the box. This is the length and the height is actually the width if it's laid flat.

A = l x w
A = 17 x 2
A = 34 in^2

Now we'll find the area of the sides which is the width and the height.

A = lxw
A = 16.5 x 2
A = 33 in^2

Now we know that we have 2 of each side, so we have to multiply and add them all together

2(top) + 2(front) + 2(sides) = total surface area
2(280.5) + 2(34) + 2(33) = 695 in^2.

The total surface area is 695 in^2.


Now for the volume. The volume formula is:
V = l x w x h (Volume = length times width times height.)

V = l x w x h
V = 17 x 16.5 x 2
V = 561 in^3

Hope this helps!
Karin

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Students.

Need More Help With Your Algebra Studies?

Get access to hundreds of video examples and practice problems with your subscription! 

Click here for more information on our affordable subscription options.

Not ready to subscribe?  Register for our FREE Pre-Algebra Refresher course.