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The sum of the length, the breadth and the height of a cuboid is 38 cm and the length of its diagonal is 22 cm. Find the total surface area of the cuboid.
480 cm2
432 cm2
960 cm2
864 cm2
960 cm2
Use the algebraic identity (l+b+h)2=(l2+b2+h2)+TSA. Square the sum of dimensions (38) and subtract the square of the diagonal (22).
Sum of length, breadth, and height (l + b + h) = 38 cm; length of the diagonal (d) = 22 cm.
(l+b+h)2=l2+b2+h2+2(lb+bh+lh)
Use the algebraic identity (l+b+h)2=(l2+b2+h2)+TSA. Square the sum of dimensions (38) and subtract the square of the diagonal (22).
Students often confuse the diagonal formula (l2+b2+h2) with the diagonal itself, forgetting to square the 22 to get the sum of squares (l2+b2+h2=484).
Define given parameters
Let the dimensions be l, b, and h. We are given l+b+h=38 and the diagonal d=l2+b2+h2=22.
l+b+h=38,l2+b2+h2=22
Calculate the sum of squares
Square the diagonal equation to find the value of l2+b2+h2.
l2+b2+h2=222=484
Use algebraic identity for Total Surface Area (TSA)
We know the identity (l+b+h)2=(l2+b2+h2)+2(lb+bh+lh), where 2(lb+bh+lh) is the Total Surface Area (TSA).
382=484+TSA
Solve for TSA
Calculate 382=1444 and subtract 484 to isolate the TSA.
TSA=1444−484=960
C is correct because the calculated Total Surface Area is 960 cm².
This identity-based approach is frequently used in algebraic problems involving (x+y+z)2 and in 3D geometry problems related to sphere or cuboid properties.