Luann Againn by Greg Evans for April 12, 2019

I agree with Luann. I could never make any sense out of questions like that. And I have seldom found a use for them in the years since school.

Her first step was a good one (she asked Gunther).

Hmm… two sides are x^2+2x, two are 5x and two are 5x+10. So 2x^2+4x+10x+10x+20=236, which simplifies to x^2+12x-108=0. That factors down to (x+18)(x-6)=0, and since dimensions can’t be negative, x=6.

When confronted with math I start crying and run away.

Sounds like a algebra math problem.

There’s not enough information given to solve the problem. We are not told whether the box is open on top or whether it has a top as well as a bottom. Also, if it does have a top, is it a lid, that covers the top exactly, as you might see on a wooden box, or is it flaps that overlap, like on a cardboard box? If it’s the latter, then by how much do the flaps overlap?

I could calculate any of those, but since it’s not given, that’s what I would write as an answer.

You may never ever encounter any problem in life such as that, but the organized, logical thought process that goes into solving that problem is very useful in everyday life. Albert Einstein once said that “thinking is very hard work, that’s why so few people do it.” Perhaps the lack of exercising of the gray matter is one of many reasons we have so many snowflakes running around acting on emotion instead of rational thought.

Only run if you are afraid of a challenge. I use it every day, and I am not a mathemetician.

the answers is X=6cm X+2=8cm

total surface area is:top and bottom surface area = 6cm times 8cm times 2 sides = 96cm²short side surface area = 6cm times 5cm times 2 sides= 80cm² long side surface area = 8cm times 5cm times 2 sides = 60cm²total surface area = 96cm² + 80cm² + 60cm² = 236cm²

Peter

This is a re-run! I clipped this from a Denver paper MANY years ago!

For Luann, that may be a step in the right direction.

Solve your own problems, Math. It’s not like I’m your therapist.