Word Problem Wednesday: Who You Gonna Call?

If there's something strange

In your neighborhood...

Who you gonna call? 

GHOSTBUSTERS!

Quick! Call the Ghostbusters Hotline! A giant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man is destroying the city! Can you help the Ghostbusters figure out what volume of marshmallow goo they'll have to deal with once they've stopped this giant marshmallow man? Hint: A lot is not a sufficient answer! Use your algebraic thinking to solve this problem! And if this makes it better to think about - try to figure out what volume of marshmallow you'll be able to roast!

Question: A 6-inch tall Stay Puft marshmallow man has a volume of 15 cubic inches. If the marshmallow man is suddenly infused with paranormal activity and increases in size so that he grows proportionally to a height of 100 feet, then what is his new volume?

Sorry, but the Ghostbusters are busy and can't help you solve this problem! Take your time and give it a try! Remember what the formula for volume is and what the term "proportional" means. What mathematical functions do we use when discussing proportions? 

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Are you ready? 

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Answer: 120,000,000 cubic inches
Solution: First, remember to deal with your units! The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man started at 6 inches or half a foot tall and grew to 100 feet tall. When we talk about proportions, we use the mathematical functions of multiplication or division - not addition or subtraction. This means that his height was multiplied by 200. Now, we need to think about the formula for volume - volume is a 3-dimensional concept, so you should have 3 dimensions in your formula. Volume = length x width x height. If the marshmallow man increased in size proportionally, then his width and length also should be multiplied by 200. So, his new volume is 15 × 200 × 200 × 200 = 120,000,000 cubic inches.

If you need help understanding this, let us know! Give us a call at Mathnasium of Cave Creek at (602) 313-0901, email us at [email protected] or stop by the center!

Math is a foundational skill set! And Mathnasium is the authority in teaching math. Teaching math is not just what we do, it's all we do. Call Mathnasium of Cave Creek today for a Risk-Free Assessment and TWO FREE Trial Sessions to see if Mathnasium is right for you and your child!