Question 1 of 5
A cylindrical water tank is being filled at a constant rate. After 6 minutes, the tank contains 180 gallons of water. At this rate, how many gallons of water will be in the tank when the water level has risen from 2 feet to 5 feet, assuming the tank was empty when filling began?
Explanation
Because the tank is cylindrical, its cross-sectional area is constant, so the volume of water is proportional to the height of the water level. If 2 feet of water corresponds to 180 gallons, then 1 foot corresponds to gallons. A water level of 5 feet therefore corresponds to gallons. So the correct answer is .
Concept summary
In a cylinder, volume is proportional to height because the base area stays constant. A ratio can be used to scale from one height and volume pair to another.