Question

a rectangular box which is 7 in. by 7 in. by 3 in. must be covered with brown packaging paper before it can be mailed. how much paper is required?
a. 147 sq. in.
b. 182 sq. in.
c. 161 sq. in.
d. 91 sq. in.

please select the best answer from the choices provided

a
b
c
d

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the formula for the surface area of a rectangular prism.

The surface area \( SA \) of a rectangular prism with length \( l \), width \( w \), and height \( h \) is given by \( SA = 2(lw + lh + wh) \).

Step2: Identify the values of \( l \), \( w \), and \( h \).

Here, \( l = 7 \) in, \( w = 7 \) in, and \( h = 3 \) in.

Step3: Substitute the values into the formula.

First, calculate \( lw \), \( lh \), and \( wh \):

• \( lw = 7 \times 7 = 49 \)
• \( lh = 7 \times 3 = 21 \)
• \( wh = 7 \times 3 = 21 \)

Then, substitute these into the surface area formula:
\( SA = 2(49 + 21 + 21) \)

Step4: Simplify the expression inside the parentheses.

\( 49 + 21 + 21 = 91 \)

Step5: Multiply by 2 to get the surface area.

\( SA = 2 \times 91 = 182 \) square inches.

Answer:

B. 182 sq. in.