The compression ratio in a certain engine is 10.5 to 1. If the expanded volume of a cylinder is 21 cu in., what is the compressed volume?

The compressed volume is \_\_\_ cu in.
(Simplify your answer.)



Answer :

To find the compressed volume of a cylinder given the compression ratio and the expanded volume, follow these steps:

1. Identify the expanded volume: The expanded volume of the cylinder is given as 21 cubic inches.

2. Understand the compression ratio: The compression ratio is 10.5:1, which means the expanded volume of the cylinder is 10.5 times the compressed volume.

3. Set up the relationship: If [tex]\( V_{\text{expanded}} \)[/tex] is the expanded volume and [tex]\( V_{\text{compressed}} \)[/tex] is the compressed volume, the relationship can be written as:

[tex]\[ V_{\text{expanded}} = 10.5 \cdot V_{\text{compressed}} \][/tex]

4. Substitute the known value: Substitute the given expanded volume (21 cubic inches) into the equation:

[tex]\[ 21 = 10.5 \cdot V_{\text{compressed}} \][/tex]

5. Solve for the compressed volume: To find [tex]\( V_{\text{compressed}} \)[/tex], divide both sides of the equation by 10.5:

[tex]\[ V_{\text{compressed}} = \frac{21}{10.5} \][/tex]

6. Simplify the expression:

[tex]\[ V_{\text{compressed}} = 2 \][/tex]

Therefore, the compressed volume of the cylinder is [tex]\( 2 \)[/tex] cubic inches.