Surface Area 292: Solve for X in a Cuboid with Dimensions (X+4), 7, and 8

Cuboid Surface Area with Variable Dimensions

The surface area of the cuboid below is 292. Calculate X.

X+4X+4X+4777888

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:08 Let's find the value of X.
00:12 We'll use the formula to calculate the surface area of a box.
00:17 It is two multiplied by the sum of face areas.
00:20 Now, substitute the right values into the formula and solve for X.
00:38 Then, divide by two to simplify.
00:47 Make sure to expand the brackets properly and multiply each factor.
01:10 Next, combine like terms together.
01:18 Isolate X on one side of the equation.
01:28 And that's how we find the solution to the problem.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

The surface area of the cuboid below is 292. Calculate X.

X+4X+4X+4777888

2

Step-by-step solution

To find X X , follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Apply the formula for the surface area of a cuboid: SA=2(lw+lh+wh) SA = 2(lw + lh + wh) .
  • Step 2: Substitute the given dimensions: (X+4) (X+4) , 7 7 , and 8 8 .
  • Step 3: Set up the equation given SA=292 SA = 292 .

Using the surface area formula:

SA=2((X+4)×7+(X+4)×8+7×8)=292 SA = 2\left((X+4) \times 7 + (X+4) \times 8 + 7 \times 8\right) = 292

Calculate each part:

(X+4)×7=7X+28 (X+4) \times 7 = 7X + 28

(X+4)×8=8X+32 (X+4) \times 8 = 8X + 32

7×8=56 7 \times 8 = 56

Combine and simplify:

7X+28+8X+32+56=15X+116 7X + 28 + 8X + 32 + 56 = 15X + 116

Use the equation for surface area:

2(15X+116)=292 2(15X + 116) = 292

30X+232=292 30X + 232 = 292

Simplifying further:

30X=292232 30X = 292 - 232

30X=60 30X = 60

X=6030 X = \frac{60}{30}

X=2 X = 2

Therefore, the value of X X is 2 2 .

3

Final Answer

2 2

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Formula: Surface area of cuboid = 2(lw + lh + wh)
  • Technique: Substitute dimensions: 2((x+4)×7 + (x+4)×8 + 7×8) = 292
  • Check: When x=2, dimensions are 6×7×8 giving SA = 2(42+48+56) = 292 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to multiply the entire expression by 2
    Don't calculate (x+4)×7 + (x+4)×8 + 7×8 = 292 directly! This misses the factor of 2 in the surface area formula and gives x = 10.53 instead of x = 2. Always apply the complete formula SA = 2(lw + lh + wh).

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Identify the correct 2D pattern of the given cuboid:

444444999

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do we need to multiply by 2 in the surface area formula?

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A cuboid has 6 faces that come in 3 pairs: 2 faces with area lw, 2 faces with area lh, and 2 faces with area wh. The factor of 2 accounts for these pairs of identical faces.

How do I expand (x+4) times another number?

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Use the distributive property: (x+4)×7 = x×7 + 4×7 = 7x + 28. Do the same for (x+4)×8 = 8x + 32.

What if I get a negative value for x?

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Check your algebra! In geometry problems, dimensions must be positive. A negative x would mean the dimension (x+4) could be negative, which doesn't make sense for a real cuboid.

Can I solve this without expanding everything?

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You could factor out (x+4) from the first two terms: 2(x+4)(7+8)+2(7×8)=292 2(x+4)(7+8) + 2(7×8) = 292 , giving 2(x+4)(15)+112=292 2(x+4)(15) + 112 = 292 . Both methods work!

How do I check if my dimensions make sense?

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With x=2, the dimensions are 6, 7, and 8. These are all positive and reasonable. Calculate: SA = 2(6×7 + 6×8 + 7×8) = 2(42 + 48 + 56) = 2(146) = 292 ✓

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