The sum of the length, breadth and depth of a cuboid is $19 \text{ cm}$ and its diagonal is $5\sqrt{5} \text{ cm}$. It surface area is
Aptitude
Volume and Surface Area
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
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A125 cm$^2$
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B236 cm$^2$
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C361 cm$^2$
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D486 cm$^2$
Answer
Correct Answer: 236 cm$^2$
Explanation
### Concept & Formula
This problem relies on the algebraic identity connecting the sum of three terms, the sum of their squares, and their product sums.
$$ (l+b+h)^2 = l^2 + b^2 + h^2 + 2(lb + bh + hl) $$
Where $2(lb + bh + hl)$ is the Total Surface Area, and $\sqrt{l^2 + b^2 + h^2}$ is the diagonal.
### Step-by-Step Solution
1. **Identify the given values:**
Sum of dimensions: $l + b + h = 19 \text{ cm}$
Diagonal: $\sqrt{l^2 + b^2 + h^2} = 5\sqrt{5} \text{ cm}$
2. **Square the diagonal to find the sum of squares:**
$l^2 + b^2 + h^2 = (5\sqrt{5})^2 = 25 \times 5 = 125$
3. **Use the algebraic identity:**
$(l+b+h)^2 = l^2 + b^2 + h^2 + \text{Total Surface Area}$
$(19)^2 = 125 + \text{Total Surface Area}$
$361 = 125 + \text{Total Surface Area}$
4. **Solve for the Total Surface Area:**
$\text{Total Surface Area} = 361 - 125 = 236 \text{ cm}^2$
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Memorize the relationship: $\text{Surface Area} = (\text{Sum of sides})^2 - (\text{Diagonal})^2$. Plug in the numbers instantly: $19^2 - (5\sqrt{5})^2 = 361 - 125 = 236$.
### Common Pitfall
Forgetting the square root in the diagonal formula and equating $l^2+b^2+h^2$ directly to $5\sqrt{5}$, or forgetting to square the $5$ when expanding $(5\sqrt{5})^2$.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is **236 cm$^2$**.