A student designs a rectangular prism container with a volume of 48 cubic meters. If the length is twice the width and the height is 3 meters, what is the width?

Tue, 05 May 2026 09:02:31 +0000

**A student designs a rectangular prism container with a volume of 48 cubic meters. If the length is twice the width and the height is 3 meters, what is the width?** Students across the U.S. are increasingly exploring creative design challenges—particularly in STEM and real-world problem solving. A common task gaining quiet attention is calculating dimensional values in practical applications, like designing efficient storage containers. A recent example involves a student planning a rectangular prism container built with a 48 cubic meter volume, where the length is twice the width and the height is fixed at 3 meters. This seemingly simple geometry problem reflects broader interest in practical math and sustainable design—questions that resonate with a generation fluent in STEM and mindful of efficient resource use. Understanding the structure of a rectangular prism helps explain how real-world containers hold space. Volume is calculated as length × width × height, a formula central to engineering, packaging, and logistics. In this case, the challenge is straightforward: given a total volume of 48 cubic meters, a height of 3 meters, and the relation that length equals twice the width, we solve for width through basic algebra. This is a problem often seen in classroom projects and maker spaces, offering a tangible link between theory and application. Why is solving this volume equation attracting attention now? In a time when sustainable design and smart material use are top priorities, students and hobbyists alike are exploring ways to maximize space while minimizing waste. The dimensions revealed—width = 2 meters, length = 4 meters, height = 3 meters—show a streamlined yet efficient shape. This system encourages thinking beyond math to real-world utility, connecting geometry to everyday usefulness.