Problem of the Week

mathisfun

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Sep 10, 2005
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A rectangular block of wood, 3 cm by 5 cm by 7 cm, has termites at the centers of each of its six sides. They each eat a square hole, 1 cm by 1 cm, straight through to the center, with the sides of the squares parallel to the sides of the block. What is the surface area of the wood block after all six termites have eaten?
 
How far have you gotten with this?

You've figured out the original exterior surface area, and computed the new exterior surface area by subtracting the six squares from the centers. You've figured out the general form of what will be left after the termited have eated the three tunnels through from side to side. Where are you stuck?

Please reply showing your work and reasoning. Thank you.

Eliz.
 
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