Understanding Rectangular Box (OG #176)

[drewd313]

When forced to work quickly I am having problems conceptually understanding if a certain line segment is the length, width, or height on a rectangular box. If I draw a diagram then sit and stare at it for about 5 min, I can figure it out. Unfortunately I will not have that kind of time on the GMAT.

I know this is a pretty vague question, but can anyone give me advice on how to quickly understand whether a line segment in a rectangular box is the length, width, or height?

Take question #176 in OG11 for example.

A rectangular box is 10 inches wide, 10 inches long, and 5 inches high. What is the greatest possible (straight-line) distance, in inches, between any two points on the box?

I understand how to solve the problem, it just took me about 10 min to solve.

If anyone has any advice for visualizing a rectangular box, it would be helpful. Thanks.

[arzanr]

In my opinion, it doesn't matter how you visualize the box. The box can be standing up or lying down so you can have the length and the height inversed. The ultimate answer would still be the same because mathematically, the properties of the box won't change. Technically, the height should be the side of a rectangle going north to south, the length should go to east to west, and the breadth should be the line used to give the 3D effect.

For me to visualize the box, I simply draw it. So for this problem, draw a rectangle that is 10 by 5 (the length and height of the box). Then draw two diagonal lines leaning to the right going north from the top two corners of the rectangle. This should be the width and would be 10inches long. Then simply connect the open points. Note that your drawing doesn't need to be proportionate since its only for understanding the problem. Hope this helps.

Also, the key to increasing you speed is practice. Practice. Practice. Practice.

[drewd313]

Thanks, that is the top of response I was looking for. It does help me understand the rectangular box better .