Final answer:
To find the amount of wrapping paper needed for the box, we calculate the surface area by summing the areas of all six sides of the box. The calculated surface area is 376 square inches, but since this option isn't available, Eric might need to double-check the options or consider overlap which was perhaps intended in the closest choice of 480 square inches.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the amount of wrapping paper Eric needs to cover the gift box, we need to find the surface area of the box. The surface area of a rectangular prism (which is the shape of the box) is calculated by finding the area of all six sides. Two sides have dimensions 10 inches by 8 inches, another two have dimensions 10 inches by 6 inches, and the final two have dimensions 8 inches by 6 inches.
- Area of sides (10" × 8"): 2 × (10 × 8) = 160 square inches
- Area of sides (10" × 6"): 2 × (10 × 6) = 120 square inches
- Area of sides (8" × 6"): 2 × (8 × 6) = 96 square inches
Now, adding these areas together:
160 + 120 + 96 = 376 square inches
However, looking at the multiple choice options provided, we see that there is no option for 376 square inches. This typically indicates a rounding error or a typo in the question since the calculation performed is straightforward. Eric should double-check the measurements of the box or the options provided.
If we were to choose the closest answer from the options provided, it would be option d) 480 square inches, which suggests that there might have been a consideration for excess paper needed for overlap while wrapping, which was not included in the original calculation.