The diagonals of a straight parallelepiped are 8 and 10 cm, and the sides of the base are 5 and 3 cm. Find the volume
Let the angle BAD = α and α <90, then the angle ABC = (180 – α).
By the cosine theorem, we determine the lengths of the diagonals AC and BD.
BD ^ 2 = AB ^ 2 + AD ^ 2 – 2 * AB * AD * Cosα = 34 – 30 * Cosα.
AC ^ 2 = AB ^ 2 + BC – 2 * AB * BC * Cos (180 – α) = 34 + 30 * Cosα.
In triangles ACC1 and DBB1, according to the Pythagorean theorem, we express the legs BB1 and CC1.
BB1 ^ 2 = DB1 ^ 2 – BD ^ 2 = 64 – 34 +30 * Cosα = 30 + 30 * Cosα.
CC1 ^ 2 = AC1 ^ 2 – AC ^ 2 = 100 – 34 – 30 * Cosα = 66 – 30 * Cosα.
Since BB1 ^ 2 = CC1 ^ 2, then 30 + 30 * Cosα = 66 – 30 * Cosα.
60 * Cosα = 36.
Cosα = 36/60 = 0.6.
Sinα = √ (1 – 0.36) = 0.8.
Then Sbn = AB * AD * Sinα = 3 * 5 * 0.8 = 12 cm2.
BB1 ^ 2 = 30 + 30 * 0.6 = 48.
BB1 = 4 * √3 cm.
Then V = BB1 * Sbn = 4 * √3 * 12 = 48 * √3 cm3.
Answer: The volume of a parallelepiped is 48 * √3 cm3.