Question

select the correct answer from each drop - down menu.
how can the surface area of the onion be approximated?
the surface area of the onion can best be modeled by a
based on the model, the approximate surface area of the onion is
3.5 in
3.6 in
next
sphere
cube
cylinder
< square inches.

Explanation:

Step1: Choose the model

The onion has a curved surface and a shape similar to a sphere. So, it can be modeled by a sphere.

Step2: Calculate the surface area of the sphere

The formula for the surface area of a sphere is \(S = 4\pi r^{2}\). Given the diameter \(d = 3.5\) in, the radius \(r=\frac{d}{2}=\frac{3.5}{2}=1.75\) in.
Substitute \(r = 1.75\) into the formula:
\(S=4\pi(1.75)^{2}\)
\(S = 4\pi\times3.0625\)
\(S=12.25\pi\approx12.25\times3.14 = 38.465\approx38.5\) square inches

Answer:

The surface area of the onion can best be modeled by a sphere. Based on the model, the approximate surface area of the onion is \(38.5\) square inches.