A rectangular box is 6 inches ​wide, 6 inches ​tall, and 4 inches long. What is the diameter of the smallest circular opening through which the box will​ fit?

Question

This is a world problem and I need some extra help with that.

Answer 1

With a 6*6*4 box, the smallest area is the sides of 4*6.

 

Draw a picture.

 

The 4*6 rectangle has a diagonal of √(4²+6²).       [Pythagorean Theorem]

So, a circle with a diameter of at least √(4²+6²) is needed.

    d = √(16+36)

    d = √52

    d = 7.21      So, 7 1/4"