Question

a cylindrical container that contains three balls that are 2.7 inches in diameter is standing on its base and passes through an x - ray scanner that scans from the top only. what outline will appear on the x - ray screen, and with what dimensions?

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the x - ray view

An x - ray scan from the top of the container with three balls will show the circular cross - sections of the balls. The diameter of each ball is 2.7 inches. Since the balls are placed side - by - side in the container, the width of the outline on the x - ray screen will be equal to the sum of the diameters of the three balls, and the height will be equal to the diameter of one ball.

Step2: Calculate the width

The width $w$ of the outline is the sum of the diameters of three balls. Given the diameter of one ball $d = 2.7$ inches, $w=3\times d$. So $w = 3\times2.7=8.1$ inches.

Step3: Determine the height

The height $h$ of the outline is equal to the diameter of one ball. So $h = 2.7$ inches.

Answer:

The outline on the x - ray screen will be a rectangle with dimensions 8.1 inches (width) and 2.7 inches (height).