Sample Answer:
Both prisms are equal in volume, with it being 30 in^3. Although the triangle prism has a length of twice as much, this is countered by the formula for a triangular prism which requires for it to be divided by 2, where this is not present within the formula for a rectangular prism.
Step-by-step explanation:
For this, just pretend that h=1 to make the math easier. So the rectangular prism has a cross section that is 6 by 5 inches, so that will be its L & W.
The triangular prism has a cross section that is a 12 inch base times a 5 inch interior height, this will give the triangle's length and height respectively In this case, h will be its width, making the Base of the triangle which is Length * Width. Think of it like flipping over this prism, making the side facing you and make it the bottom of the prism.
Now, with the formulas for volume of the prisms:
Rectangular: L * W * H
Triangle: (L*W * H) / 2
Then just plug in the numbers:
Rectangular Prism:
L * H * H
6 * 5 * 1
30 * 1
30
Triangle Prism:
(12 * 5 * 1) / 2
60 / 2
30
They are equal to each other.
