16Hit1600
Geometry and TrigonometryHardVolume by displacement

Geometry and Trigonometry practice question

A rectangular tank has a base measuring 50 centimetres by 40 centimetres and contains water. When a stone is fully submerged in the tank, the water level rises by 2 centimetres. What is the volume of the stone, in cubic centimetres?

Answer: 4000

The stone displaces a layer of water 50 by 40 by 2 centimetres: 50 × 40 × 2 = 4,000 cubic centimetres.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 92
92 is 50 + 40 + 2, adding the dimensions.
If you answered 2000
2,000 is 50 × 40, the base area — the 2-centimetre rise still has to be multiplied in.
If you answered 60000
60,000 uses the water's original depth (30 cm), but only the RISE of 2 cm is caused by the stone.

More Geometry and Trigonometry questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.