LET’S TRY ONE
A closed rectangular prism has length 2 cm, width 3 cm and height 4 cm. What is its total surface area in square centimeters?
52
There are three equal pairs of faces: 2(6 + 8 + 12) = 52 square centimeters.
Learning steps & teaching tips
Find the combined area of all six rectangular faces.
- Draw or list the three different faces, double each area, and add.
- Work through the example and explain why each operation is used.
- Estimate or use another method to check the result before choosing.
Try it together
Work with a partner: solve one example, explain the method, then change one number and predict what changes.
Draw or list the three different faces, double each area, and add.