What size of sheet of metal is required to fabricate a cylinder 20 inches long and 8 inches in diameter?

To determine the required size of a sheet of metal for fabricating a cylinder, it is essential to calculate both the length and the circumference of the cylinder. The length of the cylinder is simply specified as 20 inches.

Next, to find the circumference, which is critical for determining how wide the sheet of metal needs to be, we utilize the formula for the circumference of a circle: C = π * d, where d is the diameter. Here, the diameter is given as 8 inches. Thus, the circumference calculates to approximately:

C = 3.14 * 8 inches = 25.12 inches

This value can be approximated in fractions as 25-9/64 inches, and it is important because that is the width of the metal sheet needed to wrap around the cylinder.

Therefore, when you combine the length of the cylinder (20 inches) with the calculated width for the circumference (approximately 25-9/64 inches), the appropriate dimensions for the sheet of metal required become evident.

The choice with dimensions of 20 inches by 25-9/64 inches accurately reflects this requirement, making it the correct answer. The other options exceed this width, which is unnecessary for this specific cylinder dimension