Determine the total surface area of the triangular prism. The formula chart is at the bottom of the page.

(5 points)
Area of each triangular face =
square centimeters

Area of the smallest rectangular face =
square centimeters

Area of the middle rectangular face =
square centimeters

Area of the largest rectangular face =
square centimeters

TOTAL Surface Area of the Triangular Prism =
square centimeters

1 answer

To calculate the total surface area of a triangular prism, we first need to know the dimensions of the triangular faces and the lengths of the edges that connect them. Here’s a step-by-step outline of how you can find the total surface area:

  1. Calculate the area of the triangular faces:

    • If the triangle has a base \( b \) and height \( h \), the area of each triangular face can be calculated using the formula: \[ \text{Area of triangular face} = \frac{1}{2} \times b \times h \]
    • If there are two identical triangular faces, multiply the area by 2.
  2. Calculate the area of the rectangular faces:

    • Determine the dimensions of the three rectangular faces which are formed by the sides of the triangle and the height (or length) of the prism \( L \):
      • For the smallest rectangular face with side length \( s_1 \): \[ \text{Area} = s_1 \times L \]
      • For the middle rectangular face with side length \( s_2 \): \[ \text{Area} = s_2 \times L \]
      • For the largest rectangular face with side length \( s_3 \): \[ \text{Area} = s_3 \times L \]
  3. Add all the areas together:

    • The total surface area of the triangular prism is the sum of the areas of the two triangular faces and the three rectangular faces: \[ \text{Total Surface Area} = 2 \times \text{Area of triangular face} + \text{Area of smallest rectangular face} + \text{Area of middle rectangular face} + \text{Area of largest rectangular face} \]

Make sure you insert the correct dimensions for \( b \), \( h \), \( s_1 \), \( s_2 \), \( s_3 \), and \( L \) as needed, based on the problem you have.

If you provide specific values for the base, height of the triangle, and the lengths of the rectangular faces, I can help you complete the calculations.