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If p, q, r, s and t represent length, breadth, height surface area and volume of a cuboid respectively, then what is \(\frac {1}{p} + \frac {1}{q}+\frac {1}{r}\)  equal to?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2020 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (02-Feb-2020)
The correct answer is \(\frac {s}{2t}\)

Understanding Cuboid Dimensions and Variables

This question involves understanding the basic properties of a cuboid, specifically its dimensions, surface area, and volume. We are given variables representing these properties:

  • p = length of the cuboid
  • q = breadth of the cuboid
  • r = height of the cuboid
  • s = surface area of the cuboid
  • t = volume of the cuboid

Our task is to find the value of the expression \(\frac {1}{p} + \frac {1}{q}+\frac {1}{r}\) in terms of the surface area (s) and volume (t).

Key Formulas for Cuboid Calculations

To solve this, we need the standard formulas for the volume and surface area of a cuboid:

  • Volume Formula: The volume (\(V\)) of a cuboid is calculated by multiplying its length, breadth, and height. Using the given variables: \[ t = p \times q \times r \]
  • Surface Area Formula: The surface area (\(A\)) of a cuboid is the total area of all its faces. It is calculated as twice the sum of the products of the pairs of dimensions (length-breadth, breadth-height, height-length). Using the given variables: \[ s = 2(pq + qr + rp) \]

Evaluating the Target Expression

Let's focus on the expression we need to evaluate: \(\frac {1}{p} + \frac {1}{q}+\frac {1}{r}\).

  1. Combining Fractions: The first step is to combine the fractions by finding a common denominator, which is \(pqr\). \[ \frac {1}{p} + \frac {1}{q}+\frac {1}{r} = \frac{1 \times qr}{p \times qr} + \frac{1 \times pr}{q \times pr} + \frac{1 \times pq}{r \times pq} \] \[ = \frac{qr}{pqr} + \frac{pr}{pqr} + \frac{pq}{pqr} \] \[ = \frac{qr + pr + pq}{pqr} \]
  2. Substituting Volume (t): From the volume formula, we know that \(t = pqr\). We can substitute \(t\) into the denominator of our combined fraction: \[ \frac{qr + pr + pq}{pqr} = \frac{qr + pr + pq}{t} \]
  3. Relating Numerator to Surface Area (s): Now, let's look at the numerator: \(qr + pr + pq\). Compare this to the surface area formula, \(s = 2(pq + qr + rp)\). We can rearrange the surface area formula to isolate the term \(pq + qr + rp\): \[ pq + qr + rp = \frac{s}{2} \]
  4. Final Substitution and Simplification: Substitute \(\frac{s}{2}\) for the numerator (\(qr + pr + pq\)) and \(t\) for the denominator (\(pqr\)) in our expression: \[ \frac{qr + pr + pq}{t} = \frac{s/2}{t} \] Simplify the resulting complex fraction: \[ \frac{s/2}{t} = \frac{s}{2 \times t} = \frac{s}{2t} \]

Conclusion on the Expression

By using the standard formulas for the volume and surface area of a cuboid and performing algebraic manipulation, we find that the expression \(\frac {1}{p} + \frac {1}{q}+\frac {1}{r}\) simplifies to \(\frac{s}{2t}\).

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Similar Questions

  1. A cone and a hemisphere have equal bases and volumes. What is the ratio of the height of the cone to the radius of the hemisphere?

  2. The volume of a hemisphere is 155232 cm 3. What is the radius of the hemisphere?

  3. The radius and height of a right circular cone are in the ratio 3 : 7. If the volume of the cone is 528 cm 3, then what is the height of the cone? \(\left( {{\rm{Take}}\,\,{\rm{\pi }}\,{\rm{ = }}\frac{{22}}{7}} \right)\)

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Important Questions from Solid Figures

  1. A cone and a hemisphere have equal bases and volumes. What is the ratio of the height of the cone to the radius of the hemisphere?

  2. A metallic solid cuboid of dimensions 36 cm × 18 cm × 12 cm is melted and recast in the form of cubes of side 6 cm. Find the number of cubes so formed.

  3. A solid cylinder has a radius of 9 cm and a height of 25 cm. What is the ratio of its total surface area to its curved surface area?

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