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| Math Central | Quandaries & Queries |
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Question from Anna, a student: Hi, I need to find the the base and the height of a triangular prism, but I only know the diameter of a tennis ball that fits exactly in the triangular container.. The diameter for the ball is 8.50cm. |
Hi Anna,
The height of the prism must be the diameter of the tennis ball but there are many possible choices for the triangular base. The diagram below shows 2 possibilities but there are many more.
If the base is an equilateral triangle then you can determine its dimensions. My diagram is below.
Can you complete it now? Write back if you need more assistance,
Penny
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