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2008 AMC 12B Problems/Problem 11

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Problem 11

A cone-shaped mountain has its base on the ocean floor and has a height of 8000 feet. The top \frac{1}{8} of the volume of the mountain is above water. What is the depth of the ocean at the base of the mountain in feet?

\textbf{(A)}\ 4000 \qquad \textbf{(B)}\ 2000(4-\sqrt{2}) \qquad \textbf{(C)}\ 6000 \qquad \textbf{(D)}\ 6400 \qquad \textbf{(...

Solution

In a cone, radius and height each vary inversely with increasing height (i.e. the radius of the cone formed by cutting off the mountain at 4,000 feet is half that of the original mountain). Therefore, volume varies as the inverse cube of increasing height (expressed as a percentage of the total height of cone): V_I*Height^3 = V_N

Plugging in our given condition, 1/8 = Height^3 \Rightarrow Height = 1/2

8000*1/2=4,000, answer choice A.

See Also

2008 AMC 12B (ProblemsResources)
Preceded by
Problem 10
Followed by
Problem 12
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