Bunuel
What is the volume of the largest cylinder that can fit into a box of dimensions 6 by 8 by 10?
A. 480
B. 160π
C. 270
D. 96π
E. 90
The largest cylinder that will fit into a box of dimensions 6 by 8 by 10 will have the diameter of its base equal to one of the dimensions of the box and the height equal to another dimension of the box. Furthermore, if the base of the cylinder rests on a face of the box that is a by b, then the diameter of the base can’t exceed the lesser of a and b. For example, if the base of the cylinder rests on a face of the box that is 6 by 8, then the diameter of the base can’t exceed 6. With this in mind, let’s explore all the possible options of the volume of the cylinder. Recall that the volume of a cylinder is V = πr^2h
1) The base rests on a face that is 6 by 8; thus, the diameter = 6 and hence the radius = 3 and height = 10.
V = π(3)^2(10) = 90π
2) The base rests on a face that is 6 by 10; thus, the diameter = 6 and hence the radius = 3 and height = 8.
V = π(3)^2(8) = 72π
3) The base rests on a face that is 8 by 10; thus, the diameter = 8 and hence the radius = 4 and height = 6.
V = π(4)^2(6) = 96π
We see that 96π is the largest possible volume for the cylinder.
Answer: D