Math Problem Statement

Find the surface area of the triangular prism shown below.

Solution

To find the surface area of the triangular prism, we need to consider both the triangular faces and the rectangular faces of the prism.

Given dimensions:

  • Triangle base: 6 units
  • Triangle height: 4 units (perpendicular height of the triangle)
  • Triangle side lengths: 5, 5, and 6 units
  • Prism length (distance between triangular faces): 7 units

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Calculate the Area of the Triangular Faces: The area of a triangle is given by: Area=12×base×height\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height} Substituting the values: Area of each triangle=12×6×4=12square units\text{Area of each triangle} = \frac{1}{2} \times 6 \times 4 = 12 \, \text{square units} Since there are two triangular faces, the total area of the triangular faces is: 2×12=24square units2 \times 12 = 24 \, \text{square units}

  2. Calculate the Area of the Rectangular Faces: There are three rectangular faces, each with different dimensions:

    • Rectangle 1: 5×7=355 \times 7 = 35
    • Rectangle 2: 5×7=355 \times 7 = 35
    • Rectangle 3: 6×7=426 \times 7 = 42

    Adding these areas together: 35+35+42=112square units35 + 35 + 42 = 112 \, \text{square units}

  3. Add All Areas Together: Now, combine the areas of the triangular and rectangular faces: 24+112=136square units24 + 112 = 136 \, \text{square units}

Final Answer:

The surface area of the triangular prism is 136 square units.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Related Questions:

  1. How would the surface area change if the length of the prism increased?
  2. What is the volume of this triangular prism?
  3. How do we find the surface area of other prisms, such as rectangular or hexagonal prisms?
  4. If only one side length of the triangle was given, how could we find the missing dimensions?
  5. Can we use the Pythagorean theorem in any way here?

Tip:

When calculating surface area, always separate the different types of faces (triangular, rectangular, etc.) for clarity.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Surface Area
Geometry of Prisms
Triangles and Rectangles

Formulas

Area of triangle = (1/2) * base * height
Area of rectangle = length * width
Surface area of prism = 2 * Area of triangular face + sum of rectangular faces

Theorems

Basic Geometry of Prisms

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9