Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Volume of a Rectangular Prism
The volume of a rectangular prism (or box) is calculated using the formula V = length × width × height. In this problem, the dimensions of the box change after cutting squares from the corners, so understanding how to express the new dimensions in terms of the original dimensions is crucial for solving the problem.
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Algebraic Expressions and Equations
Algebraic expressions are mathematical phrases that can include numbers, variables, and operations. In this question, we need to set up an equation based on the volume of the box and the relationships between its dimensions. This involves translating the problem's conditions into an algebraic equation that can be solved for the unknown dimensions.
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Geometric Relationships
Understanding geometric relationships is essential for visualizing how the dimensions of the original piece of metal relate to the dimensions of the box after the corners are cut. The problem states that the length is 10 inches longer than the width, which establishes a relationship that can be used to express both dimensions in terms of a single variable, facilitating the solution.
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