The formula for the surface area \( S \) of a right rectangular prism is given by:
\[ S = 2(lw + lh + wh) \]
where \( l \) is the length, \( w \) is the width, and \( h \) is the height.
For the given dimensions:
- Length \( l = 4.5 \) cm
- Width \( w = 3.5 \) cm
- Height \( h = 2.5 \) cm
Now, we can plug these values into the formula:
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Calculate each area component:
- \( lw = 4.5 \times 3.5 = 15.75 \) cm²
- \( lh = 4.5 \times 2.5 = 11.25 \) cm²
- \( wh = 3.5 \times 2.5 = 8.75 \) cm²
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Now sum these areas: \[ lw + lh + wh = 15.75 + 11.25 + 8.75 = 35.75 \text{ cm}^2 \]
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Finally, calculate the surface area: \[ S = 2 \times 35.75 = 71.5 \text{ cm}^2 \]
So, the surface area of the rectangular prism is \( \boxed{71.5 \text{ cm}^2} \).