Thursday, October 7, 2010

Pringle's Can

Pringle Can Measurements: Height- 10.5 in
                                                Diameter- 3 in
                                                Radius is 1.5 in
Volume of Can: 223.17 in cubed
Surface Area of Can: 113.12 in sq.
New Container: Square prism: with the measurements:
Height 10.5 in
1 Base/Side- 4.5 in
Surface Area of the Square Prism: 215.25 in sq.
How we got these results: We found the measurement of the Pringle Can by using a 12 in ruler and with that we found the height which was 10.5 in and then we measured the diameter of the top and bottom of the can which was 3 in and half of 3 is 1.5 in which is the radius. To find the volume we took the formula of a volume of a cylinder which is pie*radius squared*height which gave us a volume of 223.17 in cubed. To find the surface area we took the surface area formula of a cylinder which is 2*pie*radius squared + 2*pie*radius*height to find the surface area which was 113.12 in sq.
New Container- We picked a square prism because we believed it would be much more easier to get your hand in and out of the can if it was that shape. How we found the measurements of the square prism is we used the same 12 in ruler and kept the same height as the cylinder shape so the height was 10.5 in and then we thought that the width of the cylinder was not big enough for the hand to get in an out of the can easy so we decided to make the width (opening)/1 Base or 1side is 4.5 in. To find the surface area of the prism you must take the top*bottom + right*left + front*back and sense this is a square prism there are 2 sides that look alike so you must take the outcome of top*bottom and take it times 2 and so on for the next one which is right*left*2 and then front*back*2 and then add the outcome of those together and when you do this your total surface area of the prism is 215.15 in sq.
Why is this important to know in life? Many people need to know the skill of learning how to measure surface area and volumes of different prisms and solids. Many of the formulas that you learn in geometry will help you know how to build a house that you might want to construct. These forms will also help with saving money on groceries by knowing/guessing by how much things can be put in a can that has a volume of this much and so on. Learning about formulas of prisms and there volumes and surface areas will help you in the long run in life even if you don't know it! So keep at it!