A tool box has a volume of x3 + 8x2 + 11x – 20 cm3 and the height is x + 5 cm. Find the polynomial that would represent the area of the bottom of the tool box? Explain your reasoning.

Question

anonymous · Answer

x^2+3x-4
When you take the volume and use synthetic or polynomial division, that's the answer that you arrive at. Volume=area of the bottom circle times height so dividing the volume by the height gives us the area of the bottom circle.

radar · Answer

Correct , but just a note most tool boxes are not circular.  It is a box, so more than likely the bottom is rectangular in shaper, but procedure is same.  Area of bottom times height is the volume.  So dividing the volume by the height gives the area of the bottom.