The volume of an open-topped box with a square base is 245 cubic centimeters. Find the height, in centimeters, of the box that uses the least amount of material.

Question

anonymous · Answer

7.883 centimeters
       6 centimeters
       3.942 centimeters
       3 centimeters
       2 centimeters

anonymous · Answer

the question asks us to figure out a height that uses the least amount of material. The phrase, 'least amount' is a trigger word that means we need to derive.

what do we derieve? The amount of material. material will be measured in surface area. 
the surface area of an open-topped box will consist of a base and 4 sides.

make sense so far?

anonymous · Answer

Kind of

anonymous · Answer

what class is this for?, i might be complicating things!

anonymous · Answer

Calculus

anonymous · Answer

the class that will be the death of me! lol.

anonymous · Answer

okok, then we are on the right track.

anonymous · Answer

haha, calculus is not easy to learn!

anonymous · Answer

so, 
can you make up a basic equation that would give me the surface area of an 'open-topped box with a square base'?

anonymous · Answer

Im sorry, I dont even know where to start cos I'm not even sure myself.. lol sorry.

anonymous · Answer

give it a try, if you can't get it on the first try, i'll step in ^_^

here is a hint:
the surface area of an open-topped box = area of the base  plus the area of 4 sides. rememer the base is square.

anonymous · Answer

one moment, firefox keeps crashing.

anonymous · Answer

@zepdrix am I on the right track with this question?

zepdrix · Answer

yes :x sorry was busy making food lol

anonymous · Answer

thanks

anonymous · Answer

looks like he logged off..

zepdrix · Answer

ugh :c