Question

What is the surface area for a rectangular prism with the height of 6 inches, width of 8 inches, and the length of 4 inches

Answer 1

Using the formula, we can find that the surface area is 208 in².

Explanation:

To find the surface area (SA) for a rectangular prism, substitute its dimensions into the formula and solve.

Dimensions

Dimensions mean the side lengths of the shape, the height, width and length. We know the dimensions from the question.

Height: h = 6 in

Width: w = 8 in

Length: l = 4 in

Formula

We will need the formula to find the surface area for rectangular prisms. Note that different shapes have a different formula for finding surface area.

`SA= 2(lw + lh + hw)`

Substitute the dimensions h = 6in, w = 8in and l = 4in into the formula.

`SA= 2((4\ in)(8\ in) + (4\ in)(6\ in) + (6\ in)(8\ in))`

Remember order of operations (BEDMAS) when solving. Multiply within the brackets first.

`SA= 2(32\ in^(2) + 24\ in^(2) + 48\ in^(2))` Add within the brackets.

`SA= 2(104\ in^(2))` Multiply.

`SA= 208\ in^(2)` Final answer

Tip: The final answer for area will always have squared units.

∴ The surface area (SA) of the rectangular prism with a height of 6 inches, width of 8 inches, and length of 4 inches is 208 squared inches.