A rectangular container has a base that is 12 inches long and 8 inches wide. The container is filled with water to a height of 6 inches. If all the water is poured into a second container with a square base, it will rise to a height of 16 inches. What is the length of one edge of the square base of the second container?

Answer: the length of one edge of the square base of the second container is 6 inches.

Step-by-step explanation:

The formula for determining the volume of a rectangular container is expressed as

Volume = length * width * height

Considering the first container,

Length = 12 inches

Width = 8 inches

Height to which the water is filled is 6 inches.

Therefore, volume of water in the container is

12 * 8 * 6 = 576 inches³

Considering the second container,

Height of water = 16 inches

Let L represent the length of the square base. Then the area of the square base is L²

Volume of water would be 16L²

Since the water in the first container was poured into the second container, then

16L² = 576

L² = 576/16 = 36

L = √36

L = 6 inches