Final answer:
Calculating the surface area of various shapes requires specific formulas and precision with significant figures and units. For example, the surface area of a cylinder involves the sum of its circular end-caps and the rectangular side area.
Step-by-step explanation:
When finding the surface area of various geometric figures, one must take into account the unique formula associated with each shape. For instance, the surface area of a sphere is calculated using 4πr2, whereas a cube's surface area is found through 6a2 where 'a' represents the length of one of its sides. Similarly, the surface area of a cylinder can be determined by calculating the areas of its two circular end-caps (2πr2), and adding the area of the rectangular side that wraps around the cylinder (2πrh).
To ensure clarity and accuracy, answers should always be expressed to the correct number of significant figures and accompanied by the proper units.
This practice not only enhances precision, but also fosters a better understanding of the mathematical concepts at hand. For example, if the cross-sectional area of a toy's wider part is given as 7.85×10-5 m2, it is crucial to maintain this level of precision throughout the calculation to attain the correct result.