Explanation:
Since there is no diagram of the triangular prism that we are required to calculate it's surface area. We can just fix random dimensions in order to enable us understand what we are required to do.
Meanwhile, a triangular prism is a solid shape that possesses two parallel triangles or triangular faces and about three rectangles or rectangular faces.
Example 1:
Calculate the surface area of a triangular prism with side 8cm, base 6cm and height 7cm.
Formula for calculating the surface area of a triangular prism is;
ab + 3bh
Where a = side of the prism
b = base of one of the triangular faces
h = height not the triangular face/prism.
Here a = 8cm
b = 6cm
c = 7cm
Substituting properly;
(8 × 6) + 3(6 × 7)
= 48 + 126
= 174cm^2. The surface area of the triangular prism is 174cm^2.
Example 2.
A triangular prism with side 9cm, height 4cm and base 5cm will be wrapped with a sheet of wrapping foil. Calculate the surface area of this rectangular prism.
The formula for calculating the surface area of a triangular prism = ab + 3bh
Where a = side
b = base
h = height of prism
In this case, a = 9cm
b = 5cm
h = 4cm
Substituting appropriately, we will have:
(9 × 5) + 3(5 × 4)
45 + 60
= 105cm^2
So, the surface area of this triangular prism is 105cm^2