Apply the technique of using nets. What is the surface area of the rectangular prism whose dimensions measure 7 inches by 3 inches by 11 inches
To find the surface area of a rectangular prism, we need to calculate the area of each of the six faces and then add them together.
First, let's draw a net of the rectangular prism, which is a 2-dimensional representation of the 3-dimensional shape unfolded:
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|_________|
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The dimensions of the rectangular prism are:
- Length = 7 inches
- Width = 3 inches
- Height = 11 inches
Now, let's calculate the area of each face:
- Top and bottom faces: Length x Width = 7 x 3 = 21 square inches each
- Front and back faces: Length x Height = 7 x 11 = 77 square inches each
- Side faces: Width x Height = 3 x 11 = 33 square inches each
Now, add the areas of all six faces to find the total surface area:
Total surface area = 2(21) + 2(77) + 2(33)
= 42 + 154 + 66
= 262 square inches
Therefore, the surface area of the rectangular prism with dimensions 7 inches by 3 inches by 11 inches is 262 square inches.