The diameter of a softball is 3.8 inches. Estimate the amount of leather used to cover the softball.

Question

The diameter of a softball is 3.8 inches.  Estimate the amount of leather used to cover the softball.

anonymous · Answer

Thinking I use volume of a sphere formula

sepeario · Answer

Almost. To work out the amount of material COVERING an object, you have to use the surface area formula.

sepeario · Answer

Do you know the surface area formula for a sphere?

anonymous · Answer

oh I was thinking volume

sepeario · Answer

$$4\pi(r^2)$$

anonymous · Answer

4pir^2

sepeario · Answer

Do you think you can substitute values into this equation? Of course the r in the equation means radius, which is the diameter given above divided by 2.

anonymous · Answer

how did you type pi on the screen like that?

sepeario · Answer

Just type pi.

isaiah.feynman · Answer

He pressed the "Equation" button.

anonymous · Answer

Yes I can do the rest, just wasn't sure about the formula thanks!1

sepeario · Answer

No problem :)

anonymous · Answer

15.12 in - but that seems like a lot of material??

anonymous · Answer

thanks Isaiah - never used it lol

sepeario · Answer

$$4\pi1.9^2=45.36 inches squared. $$

sepeario · Answer

ooops haha but i don't know how you got to your answer.