Question

The diagram represents the net of a triangular prism. Chris wants to find thesurface area.

First, finds the area of the two triangles by calculating 0.5 X 16 X 15 X 2. Next, he finds the area of the three rectangles by calculating 17 X 8 X 3. Finally, he adds the areas of the triangles and rectangles to get a total surface area of 648 square meters. Chris makes an error when finding the surface area. Identify the error Chris makes and explain how to correctly calculate the surface area. answer This is a required question

Answer 1

640 square meters

Explanation:

Chris made an error when calculating the area of the rectangular base. They have a different base. The area of both triangle is 240 and the area of all the rectangles is 400, 400+240=640 square meters.

Answer 2

Total Surface Area of the Prism=640 square meters

Chris made a mistake in calculating the area of the rectangular base.

Explanation:

Dimension of the Triangle

Base=16m, Height=15m

Area of the Two triangular Faces =0.5 X 16 X 15 X 2=240 square meters

This is correct

Dimensions of the Rectangles

16m by 8m, 17m by 8m, 17m by 8m

Area of the Rectangular Faces=(17X8)+(17X8)+(16X8)=400 square meters

• Total Surface Area of the Prism=240+400=640 square meters

• Chris' Error was in calculating the area of the base of the prism as (17 x 8) instead of (16 X 8).