Calculating Surface Area of Triangular Prisms

This video tutorial covers the calculation of surface area for triangular prisms. It begins by identifying key features of triangular prisms, explaining that the triangles are the bases and the height connects these bases. The tutorial then details the formulas for lateral and total surface area, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between the two. Lateral surface area is calculated as the perimeter of the base times the height, excluding the bases, while total surface area includes the area of the bases. The video concludes with practice problems to reinforce these concepts, guiding viewers through step-by-step calculations.

What shapes form the bases of a triangular prism?

• Squares

• Rectangles

• Triangles

• Circles

What does the lateral surface area of a triangular prism exclude?

• The height

• The length

• The width

• The bases

How do you calculate the total surface area of a triangular prism?

• Perimeter of the base times the height

• Perimeter of the base times the height plus the area of the bases

• Length times width times height

• Area of the bases times two

What formula is used to find the area of the triangular bases?

• Length times width

• One half base times height

• Base times height

• Perimeter times height

When calculating the total surface area of a triangular prism, why is it important to keep your work organized?

• All of the above

• To ensure the correct use of formulas

• To avoid mixing up the base and height

• To correctly apply the perimeter in calculations

What is the first step in finding the lateral surface area of a triangular prism?

• Calculating the area of the bases

• Measuring the height of the prism

• Shading the triangular bases

• Finding the perimeter of the base

How do you find the perimeter of the triangular base?

• Measure one side and multiply by three

• Multiply the base by the height

• Add all the sides of the triangle

• Divide the height by two

What additional step is required when calculating the total surface area, not needed for lateral surface area?

• Subtracting the perimeter

• Doubling the height

• Multiplying the base by two

• Adding the area of the bases

In the context of triangular prisms, what does the 'height' refer to?

• The distance between the triangular bases

• The perimeter of the triangular base

• The length of the triangular base

• The altitude of the triangular base

What is the lateral surface area of a triangular prism if the perimeter of the base is 17 and the height is 12?

• 29 cm²

• 204 cm²

• 34 cm²

• 102 cm²