Answer:
Find the area of the two triangular bases:
Measure the base and height of one of the triangular bases.
Multiply the base by the height, and then divide the result by 2 to get the area.
Repeat this process for the other triangular base.
Find the perimeter of the triangular base:
Measure the three sides of the triangular base.
Add the three sides together to get the perimeter.
Find the lateral area of the prism:
Multiply the perimeter of the triangular base by the height of the prism.
Add the area of the two triangular bases and the lateral area of the prism to get the total surface area.
Here is an example problem to help illustrate these steps:
Example:
Find the surface area of a triangular prism with a triangular base that has a base of 4 cm, a height of 6 cm, and a height of 10 cm.
Solution:
Step 1: Find the area of the two triangular bases.
Area of one triangular base = (4 cm x 6 cm) / 2 = 12 cm^2
Area of the other triangular base = (4 cm x 6 cm) / 2 = 12 cm^2
Step 2: Find the perimeter of the triangular base.
Perimeter of the triangular base = 4 cm + 5 cm + 6 cm = 15 cm
Step 3: Find the lateral area of the prism.
Lateral area of the prism = Perimeter of the base x Height of the prism
Lateral area of the prism = 15 cm x 10 cm = 150 cm^2
Step 4: Add the area of the two triangular bases and the lateral area of the prism.
Total surface area = 2 x 12 cm^2 + 150 cm^2
Total surface area = 174 cm^2
Therefore, the surface area of the triangular prism is 174 cm^2.