Hey there :)
The volume formula of a cylinder is:
V =

r²h
The volume of the larger volume is given to be 9648³ and the height is 18 in
We need to find the radius first
9648 =

r²(18)

=

r²
536 =

r²

= r²

= r
r ≈ 13.06
The ratio of the big cylinder to small cylinder is:
18 : 9 (given height)
So the big cylinder is
2 times bigger than the small cylinder
Therefore the radius of the big cylinder is as well 2 times bigger

r ≈ 6.53 ( the radius of the small radius )
V (of small cylinder) =

(6.53)²(9)
= 1206 in³
Answer: 8.125 square inches
Explanation/Calculation:
First, convert the fractions to decimals.
3 1/4= 3.25
2 1/2= 2.5
Now multiply 3.25*2.5
You get 8.125
How many times your suppose to multiply it by.
Don't touch the center. It is already even.
Start anywhere by connecting a dotted line from one vertex to the next. To keep things so we know what we are talking about, go clockwise. Now you have 2 points that are Eulerized that were not before.
Skip and edge and do the same thing to the next two vertices. Those two become eulerized. Skip an edge and do the last 2.
Let's try to describe this better. Start at any vertex and number them 1 to 6 clockwise.
Join 1 to 2
Join 3 to 4
Join 5 to 6
I think 3 is the minimum.
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