Properties of the Volume Expression

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 129 views

Introduction

When working with three-dimensional objects, understanding their volume is crucial. In this case, Lisa is working with a rectangular block of clay, and we need to determine the volume of this block. The volume of the block is given by the expression $$(2x - 1)(x - 3)(x + 4)$$. In this article, we will explore the properties of this expression and determine which statement about the volume of the block of clay is true.

The Volume of the Block

The volume of the block is given by the expression $$(2x - 1)(x - 3)(x + 4)$$. To understand the properties of this expression, let's first expand it.

(2x - 1)(x - 3)(x + 4) = (2x^2 - 7x + 12)(x + 4)

Now, let's expand the expression further.

(2x^2 - 7x + 12)(x + 4) = 2x^3 + 8x^2 - 7x^2 - 28x + 12x + 48

Simplifying the expression, we get:

2x^3 + x^2 - 16x + 48

Properties of the Volume Expression

Now that we have expanded the expression, let's examine its properties. The expression is a cubic polynomial, which means it has a degree of 3. This means that the graph of the expression will be a cubic curve.

One of the key properties of a cubic polynomial is that it can have at most three real roots. This means that the graph of the expression can intersect the x-axis at most three times.

Another property of a cubic polynomial is that it can have at most two local maxima or minima. This means that the graph of the expression can have at most two turning points.

Determining the Volume of the Block

Now that we have examined the properties of the volume expression, let's determine which statement about the volume of the block of clay is true.

Statement 1: The volume of the block is always positive.

To determine if this statement is true, let's examine the expression $2x^3 + x^2 - 16x + 48$ . Since the leading coefficient is positive, the graph of the expression will be increasing for large values of x.

However, the graph of the expression can intersect the x-axis at most three times. This means that the graph of the expression can be negative for some values of x.

Therefore, statement 1 is false.

Statement 2: The volume of the block is always increasing.

However, the graph of the expression can have at most two local maxima or minima. This means that the graph of the expression can be decreasing for some values of x.

Therefore, statement 2 is false.

Statement 3: The volume of the block is always decreasing.

However, the graph of the expression can have at most two local maxima or minima. This means that the graph of the expression can be decreasing for some values of x.

Therefore, statement 3 is false.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the volume of the block of clay is given by the expression $$(2x - 1)(x - 3)(x + 4)$$. We have examined the properties of this expression and determined that none of the statements about the volume of the block of clay are true.

The expression is a cubic polynomial, which means it has a degree of 3. This means that the graph of the expression will be a cubic curve. The graph of the expression can intersect the x-axis at most three times, and it can have at most two local maxima or minima.

Therefore, the volume of the block of clay is a complex function that cannot be described by a simple statement.

References

[1] "Algebra and Trigonometry" by Michael Sullivan
[2] "Calculus" by James Stewart

Additional Resources

[1] Khan Academy: Cubic Polynomials
[2] MIT OpenCourseWare: Calculus

About the Author

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the properties of the volume expression $$(2x - 1)(x - 3)(x + 4)$$. We determined that none of the statements about the volume of the block of clay are true. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the volume of the block of clay.

Q: What is the volume of the block of clay?

A: The volume of the block of clay is given by the expression $$(2x - 1)(x - 3)(x + 4)$$.

Q: Is the volume of the block of clay always positive?

A: No, the volume of the block of clay is not always positive. The graph of the expression can intersect the x-axis at most three times, which means that the graph of the expression can be negative for some values of x.

Q: Is the volume of the block of clay always increasing?

A: No, the volume of the block of clay is not always increasing. The graph of the expression can have at most two local maxima or minima, which means that the graph of the expression can be decreasing for some values of x.

Q: Is the volume of the block of clay always decreasing?

A: No, the volume of the block of clay is not always decreasing. The graph of the expression can have at most two local maxima or minima, which means that the graph of the expression can be increasing for some values of x.

Q: What is the degree of the volume expression?

A: The degree of the volume expression is 3, which means that the graph of the expression will be a cubic curve.

Q: How many real roots can the volume expression have?

A: The volume expression can have at most three real roots, which means that the graph of the expression can intersect the x-axis at most three times.

Q: How many local maxima or minima can the volume expression have?

A: The volume expression can have at most two local maxima or minima, which means that the graph of the expression can have at most two turning points.

Q: What is the leading coefficient of the volume expression?

A: The leading coefficient of the volume expression is 2, which means that the graph of the expression will be increasing for large values of x.

Q: Can the volume of the block of clay be described by a simple statement?

A: No, the volume of the block of clay cannot be described by a simple statement. The expression is a complex function that requires a deeper understanding of algebra and calculus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the volume of the block of clay is a complex function that requires a deeper understanding of algebra and calculus. We have answered some frequently asked questions about the volume of the block of clay and provided additional resources for further learning.

References

[1] "Algebra and Trigonometry" by Michael Sullivan
[2] "Calculus" by James Stewart

Additional Resources

[1] Khan Academy: Cubic Polynomials
[2] MIT OpenCourseWare: Calculus

About the Author

The author is a mathematics educator with a passion for teaching and learning. They have a strong background in mathematics and have taught a variety of courses, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. They are committed to providing high-quality educational resources to students and educators alike.