Cups A and B are cone shaped and have heights of 16 cm and 12 cm and openings with radii of 6 cm and 8 cm, respectively. If cup B is full and its contents are poured into cup A, will cup A overflow? If not how high will cup A be filled?

1 Answer
Nov 11, 2017

Calculate and compare the volumes.

Explanation:

V = 1/3 * pi * r^2 * h Calculate the two volumes. If B is greater than A, it will overflow. If it is less, use the volume calculated to find the equivalent height of A.
V_A = 1/3 * pi * r_A^2 * h_a
V_B = 1/3 * pi * r_B^2 * h_b

V_A = 1/3 * pi * 6^2 * 16 ; V_A = 603.2
V_B = 1/3 * pi * 8^2 * 12 ; V_B = 804.2

Cup B has 1/3 more volume, so Cup A will overflow.

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