Final answer:
The cost to make a rectangular prism out of cardboard with a base of 3 feet by 4 feet and a height of 2 feet is $5.20, based on the total surface area calculation using the cardboard price of $0.10 per square foot.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the cost of making a rectangular prism out of cardboard with the base dimensions of 3 feet by 4 feet, and a height of 2 feet, we need to calculate the surface area of the prism to find out how much cardboard is required. First, calculate the area of each face of the prism:
- Base and top (2 rectangles): 2 × (3 ft × 4 ft) = 24 sq ft
- Front and back (2 rectangles): 2 × (3 ft × 2 ft) = 12 sq ft
- Sides (2 rectangles): 2 × (4 ft × 2 ft) = 16 sq ft
Add the areas of all six faces to find the total surface area:
Total surface area = 24 sq ft + 12 sq ft + 16 sq ft = 52 sq ft
Since the cardboard costs $0.10 per square foot, we multiply the total surface area by the cost per square foot:
Cost = 52 sq ft × $0.10/sq ft = $5.20
Therefore, it will cost $5.20 to make the prism with the given dimensions using cardboard.