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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