A softball has a radius of approximately 2.5 inches. Estimate the amount of leather used to cover the softball. Leave the answer in terms of \( \pi \).

To find the amount of leather used to cover the softball, we need to calculate the surface area of the sphere. The formula for the surface area \( A \) of a sphere is given by \( A = 4\pi r^2 \), where \( r \) is the radius. Given that the radius is approximately 2.5 inches, we can plug in the value: \[ A = 4\pi (2.5)^2 = 4\pi (6.25) = 25\pi \] So, the amount of leather used to cover the softball is approximately \( 25\pi \) square inches. Thinking about this in terms of material usage, it’s fascinating to consider that leather is primarily derived from animal hides. This tradition has been around for centuries, evolving with advancements in tanning and manufacturing techniques. Who knew a simple ball could link to history and craftsmanship? When covering items like softballs, one common mistake is not accounting for the seams or the overlapping sections when calculating area. Make sure to factor in those little details, as they can change the total area you might need. Keep your measurements precise, and you'll avoid running into surprises down the road!