Answer:
44 square feet were used to build the aquarium
Explanation:
∵ The area of the rectangular prism = Lateral area + 2 Base area
∵ The top of the aquarium is open
∴ The area of the aquarium = Lateral area + Base area
∵ Lateral area = perimeter of base × height
∵ Its base is a rectangle
∵ The dimensions of the base are 4 feet and 2 feet
∵ Its height = 3 feet
∴ Perimeter of the base = 2(4 + 2) = 12 feet
∴ Area of the base = 4 × 2 = 8 feet²
∴ Area of aquarium = 12 × 3 + 8 = 36 + 8 = 44 feet²