Chapter 8: Problem 41
Solve each formula for the specified variable. $$ V=\frac{1}{3} B h \text { for } B $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution for \( B \) is \( B = \frac{3V}{h} \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Given Formula
The given formula is the volume of a pyramid, which is expressed as \( V = \frac{1}{3} B h \), where \( V \) is the volume, \( B \) is the area of the base, and \( h \) is the height. We need to solve for \( B \).
02
Eliminate the Fraction
To isolate \( B \), first eliminate the fraction by multiplying both sides of the equation by 3. This gives \( 3V = B h \).
03
Solve for \( B \)
Now that we have \( 3V = B h \), divide both sides of the equation by \( h \) to solve for \( B \). This results in \( B = \frac{3V}{h} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Algebraic Manipulation
Algebraic manipulation is a critical skill when solving equations or rearranging formulas. It involves using operations to transform equations into a simpler or more useful form. In the given exercise, we started with the formula for the volume of a pyramid, expressed as \( V = \frac{1}{3} B h \). The task was to solve for the base area \( B \).
Here are some steps involved in algebraic manipulation that were used in this exercise:
Here are some steps involved in algebraic manipulation that were used in this exercise:
- **Understanding operations:** Recognizing what operations are acting on the variable you need to solve for. In this case, multiplication by a fraction.
- **Applying inverse operations:** We used multiplication to eliminate the fraction by multiplying both sides by 3.
- **Maintaining equation balance:** Any operation done on one side of the equation must be done on the other side to keep it balanced.
Formula Rearrangement
Rearranging formulas is essential when you require a particular variable in isolation. It often involves a series of algebraic steps to maintain the integrity of the equation while transforming it.
In the context of our problem:
In the context of our problem:
- **Identifying the target variable:** Initially, the problem requires solving for \( B \), which is the base area of the pyramid.
- **Simplifying:** We simplified the fraction by multiplying through by 3, converting \( V = \frac{1}{3} B h \) into \( 3V = B h \).
- **Isolating the variable:** The final step involved dividing both sides by \( h \), resulting in \( B = \frac{3V}{h} \). This completely isolates \( B \).
Geometry Applications
Geometry often involves equations that describe shapes and volumes, much like in our exercise involving the pyramid. Understanding the geometric context of a problem can guide the algebraic solution as it defines what each symbol in the equation represents.
In the pyramid volume formula \( V = \frac{1}{3} B h \):
In the pyramid volume formula \( V = \frac{1}{3} B h \):
- **Volume Definition:** The volume \( V \) gives a sense of the 3D space occupied by the pyramid.
- **Base Area \( B \):** This represents the area of the base of the pyramid, which is multiplied by the height to scale up to the volume.
- **Height \( h \):** The vertical distance from the base to the apex (tip) of the pyramid.