Which formula correctly computes the surface area of a rectangular prism?

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Multiple Choice

Which formula correctly computes the surface area of a rectangular prism?

Explanation:
Surface area is the total area of all faces on a rectangular prism. There are three distinct face sizes: l by w, l by h, and w by h. Each type appears twice (opposite faces), so you add up the areas: two lw plus two lh plus two wh. This simplifies to 2(lw + lh + wh). That makes the given formula the correct one. The other expressions don’t match the actual total: lw + lh + wh is missing the factor of 2, so it’s only half the surface area; lwh is volume, not surface area; and 4(lw + lh + wh) would overcount, giving twice the correct amount.

Surface area is the total area of all faces on a rectangular prism. There are three distinct face sizes: l by w, l by h, and w by h. Each type appears twice (opposite faces), so you add up the areas: two lw plus two lh plus two wh. This simplifies to 2(lw + lh + wh). That makes the given formula the correct one. The other expressions don’t match the actual total: lw + lh + wh is missing the factor of 2, so it’s only half the surface area; lwh is volume, not surface area; and 4(lw + lh + wh) would overcount, giving twice the correct amount.

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