In a right cone, the distance between the vertex and any point on the boundary of the base is called the slant height l of a cone. If you draw a right cone, the slant height l, height h, and the radius r of the base form a right triangle. Therefore, the Pythagorean Theorem applies h^2 + r^2 = l^2. This relationship helps derive formulas for the lateral and surface area of a right cone.
The lateral area: L.A. = (pi)(r)(l)
The surface area: S.A. = (pi)(r)(l) +(pi)(r^2) = (pi)(r)(l + r)
Now, you need to find the surface area in terms of r and h. So you need to express l in term of h and r. The Pythagorean Theorem above gave you what you need. So substitute √(h^2 + r^2)for l into the surface area formula: S.A. = (pi)(r)[√(h^2 + r^2) + r]
If S.A. = 50 pi, then
50pi = (pi)(r)(l + r) divide by pi to both sides
50 = rl + r^2 subtract r^2 to both sides
50 - r^2 = rl divide by r to both sides
50/r - r = l
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