Mathematics ACT Aspire Practice Test

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Study for the Mathematics ACT Aspire Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to boost your exam readiness. Ace your math test effortlessly!

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When calculating the surface area of rectangular prisms, which of the following must be included?

The area of the top surface only
The area of all surfaces
Only the base area
The height and length only

The correct answer is: The area of all surfaces

To determine the surface area of a rectangular prism, it is essential to take into account the areas of all surfaces that enclose the prism. A rectangular prism has six faces: top, bottom, and four lateral surfaces. The surface area is calculated by finding the areas of each of these six faces and then summing them up. The formula for the surface area (SA) of a rectangular prism can be expressed as: SA = 2lw + 2lh + 2wh, where l is the length, w is the width, and h is the height. This formula clearly shows that the areas of all surfaces (both the bases and the sides) are needed to arrive at the total surface area. While the other options suggest only considering a limited number of surfaces or dimensions, correct calculation of surface area requires a comprehensive approach that includes every surface of the prism. Thus, including the areas of all surfaces ensures an accurate representation of the total surface area.