Bonnie has a container in the shape of a rectangular pyramid. The formula for the surface area of the enclosed space is S = lw + 0.5Ph. Solve for P.

Question

katecc379 · Answer

P = S – lw – 0.5h
P = S + lw + 0.5h
P = The quantity S minus l times w all divided by 0.5 times h
P = S divided by the quantity l times w plus 0.5 times h

katecc379 · Answer

those are the choices

vuriffy · Answer

Well, you must get P to one side.

katecc379 · Answer

yes i just cannot seem to get it to one of their choices

vuriffy · Answer

I surely can inform you the first two choices are incorrect.

katecc379 · Answer

yeah i got that far haha

vuriffy · Answer

Well look at this:

vuriffy · Answer

S = lw + 0.5Ph 
    -lw 


Which becomes: 

S - lw = 0.5Ph

katecc379 · Answer

oh so then just divide by .5

katecc379 · Answer

but then the h

katecc379 · Answer

so s-lw/.5h

vuriffy · Answer

The values 0.5 and h are both multiplied toward the quantity P, so yes indeed, you must divide.

vuriffy · Answer

Sorry my wifi suddenly dropped.

vuriffy · Answer

Leaving you with: P = (S - lw)/(0.5h)

vuriffy · Answer

Which is the third choice.