To find out how many 1-inch squares can be cut from a rectangular prism (the cereal box), we need to calculate the volume of the box. The volume \( V \) of a rectangular prism can be calculated using the formula:
\[ V = \text{length} \times \text{width} \times \text{height} \]
For the box with a length of 10 inches, a width of 4 inches, and a height of 12 inches, we have:
\[ V = 10 , \text{inches} \times 4 , \text{inches} \times 12 , \text{inches} \]
Calculating this step by step:
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Calculate the area of the base: \[ \text{Base Area} = \text{length} \times \text{width} = 10 \times 4 = 40 , \text{square inches} \]
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Now calculate the volume: \[ V = \text{Base Area} \times \text{height} = 40 , \text{square inches} \times 12 , \text{inches} = 480 , \text{cubic inches} \]
Each cubic inch can be cut into one square of 1 inch by 1 inch. Therefore, the number of 1-inch squares she can cut from the box is 480.
Given the choices provided in the question, the correct answer does not appear to be listed. The calculated answer is:
\[ \boxed{480 \text{ squares}} \]