Compare the area of the bases. If a base has a greater area, it will take up more space on the shelf. Base area of Box 1: 3x2 Base area of Box 2: 4x2 – x Which box is likely to occupy more space on the shelf? Explain. Try substituting different values for x.
If x = 1, the base areas are the same. But if x is greater than 1, then Box 2 has a greater base area. Therefore, Box 2 is likely to occupy more space on the shelf.