A rectangular prism and its net are shown below.The top and bottom of the prism are shaded.(All lengths are in feet.)

10
2
6
(a) Find the following side lengths for the net.
=A
ft
=B
ft
=C
ft
=D
ft
(b) Use the net to find the lateral surface area of the prism. Neither the top nor bottom is included.
ft2
(c) Use the net to find the total surface area of the prism.
ft2

1 answer

To solve the problem, we need to analyze the rectangular prism and its net. Given the dimensions specified, we can label the sides of the prism.

Given:

  • Length (l) = 10 feet
  • Width (w) = 2 feet
  • Height (h) = 6 feet

(a) Finding Side Lengths for the Net

The net of a rectangular prism consists of six rectangles (the faces of the prism), and we need to label the lengths as follows:

  • A: This will be the length of the base (10 feet).

  • B: This is the height of the prism (6 feet).

  • C: This is the width of the base (2 feet).

  • D: This is also the height of the prism (6 feet), since we have two lateral faces that are rectangles with the height and width.

Thus, we have:

  • A = 10 ft
  • B = 6 ft
  • C = 2 ft
  • D = 6 ft

(b) Lateral Surface Area of the Prism

The lateral surface area (LSA) of a rectangular prism is given by the formula:

\[ \text{LSA} = 2h(l + w) \]

Substituting the values we have:

\[ \text{LSA} = 2 \cdot 6 \cdot (10 + 2) = 2 \cdot 6 \cdot 12 = 144 \text{ ft}^2 \]

(c) Total Surface Area of the Prism

The total surface area (TSA) of a rectangular prism can be calculated using the formula:

\[ \text{TSA} = 2lw + 2lh + 2wh \]

Using the given dimensions, we can substitute the values:

\[ \text{TSA} = 2 \cdot 10 \cdot 2 + 2 \cdot 10 \cdot 6 + 2 \cdot 2 \cdot 6 \]

Calculating each term:

  1. \(2 \cdot 10 \cdot 2 = 40\)
  2. \(2 \cdot 10 \cdot 6 = 120\)
  3. \(2 \cdot 2 \cdot 6 = 24\)

Thus,

\[ \text{TSA} = 40 + 120 + 24 = 184 \text{ ft}^2 \]

Final Answers:

  • (a) A = 10 ft, B = 6 ft, C = 2 ft, D = 6 ft
  • (b) Lateral Surface Area = 144 ft²
  • (c) Total Surface Area = 184 ft²