If the length of each edge of a certain rectangular solid is an intege...
Steps 1 & 2: Understand Question and Draw Inferences
Some general points to be noted:
(a) In a rectangular solid, each pair of adjacent faces has one common edge.
(b) The opposite faces have the same dimensions.
Some inference that can be drawn from the question:
(c) Since ‘exactly’ four faces have the same dimensions, the other two faces must have different dimensions.
(d) Two of the faces which have different dimensions compared the four faces which have the same dimensions must have the following properties:
(i) They must be opposite to each other and their areas must be equal.
(ii) They must both be of the shape of a square.
(iii) Each of these two faces has a common edge with each one of the other four faces.
(e) The lengths of edges are positive integers.
Step 3: Analyze Statement 1
The possible values of the lengths and breadths for the face whose area is 32 sq. units are: 32 and 1, OR 16 and 2 OR 8 and 4.
The possible values of the lengths and breadths for the face whose area is 16 sq. units are: 16 and 1 OR 8 and 2 OR 4 and 4.
Since one of the surfaces must be a square and the lengths of edges are integers, between the two areas given only the face with area of 16 sq. units makes a square. There will be only two such surfaces in this solid with edge lengths 4 units each.
The only possible lengths of the faces whose areas are 32 square units are 8 units and 4 units.
We now know all the dimensions of the rectangular solid (8 units, 4 units, 4 units) and hence its volume can be found out.
SUFFICIENT.
Step 4: Analyze Statement 2
Let’s say that the square face has edges of lengths ‘a’ units each. This means that the length of the other side of the rectangular faces is ‘2a’ or ‘a/2’. (Depending on which length is the bigger one.)
Since we do not have the values of the edges or any other numeric information, we cannot ascertain the volume of this rectangular solid.
INSUFFICIENT.
Step 5: Analyze Both Statements Together (if needed)
Since the answer has been obtained in Step 3, there is no need to combine the statements.
Correct Answer: A