Final answer:
By substituting the given values into the surface area formula of a rectangular prism and solving for h, we find that the value of h is 2 when a and b are both 9 and the surface area S is 234.
Step-by-step explanation:
We are given the formula for the surface area of a rectangular prism, S = 2(ab + bh + ah), and we need to find the value of h when a = 9, b = 9, and S = 234. Substituting the values into the formula gives:
234 = 2(9×9 + 9×h + 9×h)
234 = 2(81 + 18h)
234 = 162 + 36h
Now, isolating h gives:
234 - 162 = 36h
72 = 36h
h = 72 / 36
h = 2
Therefore, the value of h when a and b are both 9 and S is 234 is 2.