To find the surface area of a rectangular block (like a textbook) with dimensions 2 inches, 14 inches, and 9 inches, you can use the formula for the surface area \( S \) of a rectangular prism, which is:
\[ S = 2(ab + ac + bc) \]
where \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are the dimensions of the prism. In this case, let:
- \( a = 2 \) inches
- \( b = 14 \) inches
- \( c = 9 \) inches
Plugging in the values:
\[ S = 2((2 \times 14) + (2 \times 9) + (14 \times 9)) \]
Calculating each term inside the parentheses:
- \( 2 \times 14 = 28 \)
- \( 2 \times 9 = 18 \)
- \( 14 \times 9 = 126 \)
Now, adding these results together:
\[ 28 + 18 + 126 = 172 \]
Now multiply by 2:
\[ S = 2 \times 172 = 344 \]
Thus, the surface area of the textbook is \( \boxed{344} \) square inches.