Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A cylindrical tank is a container shaped like a cylinder, where both ends are circular and parallel. It is commonly used for storing liquids or gases, and its volume can be calculated using geometry formulas involving its height and radius.
The formula for calculating the volume (amount) of liquid in a cylindrical tank is V = πr^2h, where r represents the radius and h represents the height.
Surface Area Formula: The surface area formula for a cylindrical tank is A = 2πrh + 2πr^2, where r represents the radius and h represents the height. This formula helps us determine the amount of material needed to construct the tank.
Optimization involves finding the maximum or minimum value of a quantity within a given set of constraints. In relation to cylindrical tanks, optimization problems could involve finding the dimensions that minimize cost or maximize capacity.