Answer/Step-by-step explanation:
The formula for the surface area of a rectangular prism is SA = 2B + Ph
We can create a base from two of the measurements and the height for another. I will make 5 and 5 base lengths (a square base) while 11 is the height.
SA = 2(5*5) + (5+5+5+5)(11)
2(25) + (20)(11)
270 cm²
Tyson:
SA = (5+5+5+5)(11)
(20)(11)
220 cm²
This shows that Tyson did not include the bases in the surface area, which is also known as the lateral area.
Bella:
SA = 2(5*5) + (5+5+5+5)(11) + 5
2(25) + (20)(11) + 5
275 cm²
The only way I can think Bella made a mistake is because she added 5 on accident. Otherwise, how would 270 become 275 without any major changes to the equation?