Question

A paper manufacturer is evaluating their packing procedures. Currently, they package twelve reams of paper in a box—in three stacks of four reams. However, their company has been getting complaints from the retail stores that the box is too large and heavy for the average consumer to carry by their self. So, they have decided to reduce the weight of each box by ten pounds. You have been asked to explore the different packing options based on the new weight condition and present your recommendation to the CEO of the paper company.

Note: In your evaluation, make sure to consider the ease with which one person can carry the box, as well as the amount of cardboard required to make the box. In addition, please label all measurements.

Make note!
A ream of paper weighs 5 pounds and has dimensions of 8.5 inches by 11 inches by 2 inches.

Answer 1

each ream weighs 5 lb . so, reducing 10 lb means removing 2 reams from the 12. so, how do we arrange the 10 reams so that its easy to carry?
i thinks that 3 stacks will not work as it wont be a symmetric arrangement as 1 will be left out. So, 2 stacks of 5 each would be easy to carry. but the stacks should be placed in such a way that the lengths are parallel to each other and not in-line which would increase the length making it comparatively longer. its easier to hold a (2*8.5,11,2*5=17,11,17)compact box.