Question

A tent company has a tent design that is a triangular prism. The following is a net of the design.

Note: Figure is not drawn to scale.

If a = 67 inches, b = 68 inches, c = 40 inches, and d = 64 inches, how much fabric is needed to make the tent?

Answer 1

first...you have to split the net into three rectangles and two triangles

picture inserted

Explanation:

step 1

triangular base area

1/2 bh = 1/2 (44 in)(64 in)

= 1/2 (2,816 sq in)

= 1,408 sq in.

2 x 1,408 sq in = 2,816 sq in.

step 2

end rectangle area

lw = (68 in)(69 in)

= 4,692 sq in

2 x 4,692 sq in = 9,384 sq in

Now find the area of the middle rectangle

lw - (69 in) (44 in) = 3,039 sq in.

then add all the areas together

2,816 + 9,384 + 3,036 = 15,236 sq in