Which formula correctly computes the surface area of a rectangular prism?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $9.99Unlock all

Study for the NES Early Childhood Education Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which formula correctly computes the surface area of a rectangular prism?

Explanation:
Surface area is the total area of all faces on a rectangular prism. There are three distinct face sizes: l by w, l by h, and w by h. Each type appears twice (opposite faces), so you add up the areas: two lw plus two lh plus two wh. This simplifies to 2(lw + lh + wh). That makes the given formula the correct one. The other expressions don’t match the actual total: lw + lh + wh is missing the factor of 2, so it’s only half the surface area; lwh is volume, not surface area; and 4(lw + lh + wh) would overcount, giving twice the correct amount.

Surface area is the total area of all faces on a rectangular prism. There are three distinct face sizes: l by w, l by h, and w by h. Each type appears twice (opposite faces), so you add up the areas: two lw plus two lh plus two wh. This simplifies to 2(lw + lh + wh). That makes the given formula the correct one. The other expressions don’t match the actual total: lw + lh + wh is missing the factor of 2, so it’s only half the surface area; lwh is volume, not surface area; and 4(lw + lh + wh) would overcount, giving twice the correct amount.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy