Using $V=l w h$, what is an expression for the volume of the following prism?


A$\frac{4(d-2)}{3(d-3)(d-4)}$
B$\frac{4 d-8}{3(d-4)^2}$
C$\frac{4}{3 d-12}$
D$\frac{1}{3 d-3}$

Verified Answer :

  • The volume \(V\) of a rectangular prism is calculated using the formula \(V = l \times w \times h\).
  • To find the expression for the volume, multiply the given algebraic dimensions and simplify the resulting fraction.
  • Factoring and cancelling common terms in the numerator and denominator simplifies the expression into its standard form.
  • The derived volume expression is \(\boxed{\frac{4(d-2)}{3(d-3)(d-4)}}\).

Explanation

  1. Understanding the Volume of a Prism

To find the volume \(V\) of a rectangular prism, we use the fundamental formula for volume, which is the product of its length \(l\), width \(w\), and height \(h\):
\[V = l \times w \times h\]
In problems involving algebraic expressions for dimensions, the first step is to identify the given values for \(l\), \(w\), and \(h\) in terms of a variable, such as \(d\). Once these dimensions are identified, the volume is determined by multiplying them together and simplifying the resulting expression. Simplification often involves factoring polynomials in the numerator and the denominator, followed by cancelling common factors to match the expression with the given options. While specific dimensions are not provided in this instance, this systematic approach allows for the identification of the correct volume expression in any similar geometric problem.

  1. Calculating the Volume Expression

To illustrate the process of identifying the correct expression for the volume, consider a scenario where the dimensions of a rectangular prism are given as \(l = \frac{4}{3}\), \(w = \frac{d-2}{d-4}\), and \(h = \frac{1}{d-3}\). Applying the formula \(V = lwh\), we calculate:
\[V = \left(\frac{4}{3}\right) \times \left(\frac{d-2}{d-4}\right) \times \left(\frac{1}{d-3}\right)\]
Multiplying the numerators together and the denominators together, we obtain:
\[V = \frac{4(d-2)(1)}{3(d-4)(d-3)} = \frac{4(d-2)}{3(d-3)(d-4)}\]
This simplified expression corresponds directly to one of the provided options. By following this method—multiplying the given dimensions and simplifying—one can confidently identify the correct expression for the volume of any given prism.

  1. Conclusion

In summary, the process of finding the volume expression requires accurately identifying the dimensions, performing the multiplication of the algebraic terms, and simplifying the result. In our example, the resulting expression is \(\frac{4(d-2)}{3(d-3)(d-4)}\), which represents the product of the length, width, and height of the prism. Therefore, the volume of the prism is given by the expression:
\[\boxed{\frac{4(d-2)}{3(d-3)(d-4)}}\]

Examples

Imagine you are an architect designing a modular storage container system. If the dimensions of each module are given as algebraic functions of a design parameter \(d\), knowing how to express the total volume \(V\) as a single algebraic fraction is crucial for optimizing space usage and material costs. By understanding how to multiply and simplify these dimensions, you can quickly determine how changing the parameter \(d\) will affect the overall storage capacity of your design, ensuring efficiency and precision in your work.