Question

how is the surface area of a prism determined?
a. perimeter of base x height c. sum of all lateral edges
b. sum of all areas of faces d. base area x height

please select the best answer from the choices provided

a
b
c
d

Explanation:

To determine the surface area of a prism, we analyze each option:

• Option A: "perimeter of base × height" is the formula for the lateral surface area (not total surface area) of a prism.
• Option B: The surface area of a prism (total) is the sum of the areas of all its faces (the two bases and the lateral faces). This matches the definition of surface area (sum of all outer - facing areas).
• Option C: "sum of all lateral edges" does not relate to area calculation, as edges are linear measurements, not area.
• Option D: "base area × height" is the formula for the volume of a prism, not the surface area.

Answer:

B. sum of all areas of faces