how do i find the surface area of this rectangular prism?
length = 7ft
width = 3ft
height = 5ft
show simple work and answer
To find the surface area of a rectangular prism, you need to calculate the area of each of the six faces and then add them together.
1. The top and bottom faces have the same dimensions, so the area of each of them is:
Area = length * width = 7ft * 3ft = 21ft²
2. The front and back faces also have the same dimensions, so the area of each of them is:
Area = length * height = 7ft * 5ft = 35ft²
3. Finally, the two side faces have the same dimensions, so the area of each of them is:
Area = width * height = 3ft * 5ft = 15ft²
Now, add the areas of all six faces together to find the total surface area of the rectangular prism:
Total Surface Area = 2 * (top + bottom) + 2 * (front + back) + 2 * (side)
Total Surface Area = 2 * (21ft²) + 2 * (35ft²) + 2 * (15ft²)
Total Surface Area = 42ft² + 70ft² + 30ft²
Total Surface Area = 142ft²
Therefore, the surface area of the rectangular prism is 142 square feet.