Question

Alice is wrapping a rectangular box that measures 5in x 6in x 12in. How many square feet of wrapping paper does she need?

Answer 1

The dimensions of the box are 5in x 6in x 12in. We would determine the square fet of paper needed to wrap the box by determining the surface area of the box. The formula for determining the surface area of the box is expressed as

Surface area = 2(length * width) + 2(length * height) + 2(width * height)

Thus,

Surface area = 2(12 * 5) + 2(12 * 6) + 2(5 * 6)

= 120 + 144 + 60

= 324 in^2

We would convert from square inches to square feet. Recall,

1 square foot = 144 square inches

Thus,

324 square inches = 324/144 square foot

= 2.25

Thus, she needs 2.25 square feet of wrapping paper