To find the lateral surface area of a square base prism (also known as a square prism or rectangular prism with a square base), you can use the formula:
\[ \text{Lateral Surface Area} = \text{Perimeter of Base} \times \text{Height} \]
In this case, the prism has a square base with side length \(s = 6\) ft.
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First, calculate the perimeter of the square base: \[ \text{Perimeter} = 4 \times s = 4 \times 6, \text{ft} = 24, \text{ft} \]
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Then, use the height \(h = 12\) ft to find the lateral surface area: \[ \text{Lateral Surface Area} = \text{Perimeter} \times \text{Height} = 24, \text{ft} \times 12, \text{ft} = 288, \text{ft}^2 \]
Therefore, the lateral surface area of the square base prism is \(288, \text{ft}^2\).