Precalculus · Problem 43

Linear and Quadratic Functions — Stitz & Zeager

Mathematics — Precalculus · absolute-value-inequalities-applications

Problem

The surface area SS of a cube with edge length xx is given by S(x)=6x2S(x) = 6x^2 for x>0x > 0. Suppose the cubes your company manufactures are supposed to have a surface area of exactly 42 square centimeters, but the machines you own are old and cannot always make a cube with the precise surface area desired. Write an inequality using absolute value that says the surface area of a given cube is no more than 3 square centimeters away (high or low) from the target of 42 square centimeters. Solve the inequality and write your answer using interval notation.

Related theory

Browse the problem library