To find the surface area of a rectangular prism (like a textbook), you can use the formula:
\[ \text{Surface Area} = 2(lw + lh + wh) \]
where \( l \) is the length, \( w \) is the width, and \( h \) is the height.
Given the dimensions of the textbook:
- \( l = 14 \) in.
- \( w = 2 \) in.
- \( h = 9 \) in.
Let's calculate each of the areas:
- \( lw = 14 \times 2 = 28 \)
- \( lh = 14 \times 9 = 126 \)
- \( wh = 2 \times 9 = 18 \)
Now, combine these:
\[ lw + lh + wh = 28 + 126 + 18 = 172 \]
Now, multiply by 2 to get the surface area:
\[ \text{Surface Area} = 2 \times 172 = 344 , \text{in}^2 \]
So, the surface area of the textbook is \( \boxed{344 , \text{in}^2} \).