If the radius of a sphere is increased by 100% (i.e., doubled), by what percentage does its volume increase?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 700%

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Volumes scale with the cube of a linear dimension. Doubling a radius multiplies the volume by 2^3 = 8 times the original volume.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Initial radius r, new radius r′ = 2r.
  • Sphere volume V = (4/3)πr^3.


Concept / Approach:
Compute V′/V = (r′/r)^3 = 2^3 = 8, then convert to a percentage increase over the original (i.e., compared to 1×).


Step-by-Step Solution:

V′ = 8VIncrease factor = 8 − 1 = 7Percentage increase = 7 * 100% = 700%


Verification / Alternative check:
Plug r = 1 into V = (4/3)π; doubling to r = 2 gives V′ = (4/3)π * 8 = 8V → +700%.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 300%, 500%, 900%: Do not match the cubic scaling for doubling.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing area scaling (square) with volume scaling (cube).


Final Answer:
700%

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