Decompose the box net into simple polygon to find how much cardboard in a square inches is needed to make the cube. Assume that all angles that look like right angles are right angles all polygons that look congruent are congruent. What is the area of the shape in square inches?

Given
4in
8in
4in
4in
8in

1 answer

To decompose the box net into simple polygons and determine the area of cardboard needed to make the cube, we start by visualizing the box (or cube) based on the dimensions provided.

From the dimensions you’ve given (4 in, 8 in, 4 in, 4 in, 8 in), it appears that the box is a rectangular prism (not a cube, since it has different lengths). Let's clarify the dimensions first:

  • Two dimensions are given as 8 inches (possibly the length and width).
  • Two dimensions are given as 4 inches (possibly the height of the box).

Thus, we have a rectangular prism (box) with:

  • Length (L) = 8 inches
  • Width (W) = 4 inches
  • Height (H) = 4 inches

Next, the surface area of a rectangular prism can be calculated using the formula:

\[ \text{Surface Area} = 2(LW + LH + WH) \]

Now, plug in the values:

  • \(L = 8\)
  • \(W = 4\)
  • \(H = 4\)

Let's compute each term:

  1. \(LW = 8 \times 4 = 32\) square inches
  2. \(LH = 8 \times 4 = 32\) square inches
  3. \(WH = 4 \times 4 = 16\) square inches

Now, sum these areas: \[ LW + LH + WH = 32 + 32 + 16 = 80 \text{ square inches} \]

Now, multiply this sum by 2 to find the total surface area: \[ \text{Surface Area} = 2 \times 80 = 160 \text{ square inches} \]

Thus, the area of cardboard needed to create the rectangular prism (box) is 160 square inches.