Calculating the Total Surface Area of the Box

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 148 views

Introduction

In this problem, we are tasked with finding the leftover area of cardboard after Cherese purchases 500 square inches of cardboard to build a box with specific dimensions. The box needs to be 10 inches long, 9 inches wide, and 7 inches high. To solve this problem, we will first calculate the total surface area of the box and then subtract the area of the cardboard purchased to find the leftover area.

Calculating the Total Surface Area of the Box

The total surface area of a box is calculated by finding the area of each face and adding them together. The formula for the total surface area of a box is:

Total Surface Area = 2lw + 2lh + 2wh

where l is the length, w is the width, and h is the height of the box.

In this case, the dimensions of the box are:

Length (l) = 10 inches
Width (w) = 9 inches
Height (h) = 7 inches

Substituting these values into the formula, we get:

Total Surface Area = 2(10)(9) + 2(10)(7) + 2(9)(7) Total Surface Area = 180 + 140 + 126 Total Surface Area = 446 square inches

Calculating the Leftover Area

Now that we have the total surface area of the box, we can calculate the leftover area by subtracting the area of the cardboard purchased from the total surface area.

Area of Cardboard Purchased = 500 square inches Leftover Area = Total Surface Area - Area of Cardboard Purchased Leftover Area = 446 - 500 Leftover Area = -54 square inches

However, since we cannot have a negative area, we need to re-evaluate our calculation. The leftover area cannot be negative, as it would mean that Cherese has more cardboard than she needs. Let's re-calculate the leftover area by finding the area of the cardboard that is not used.

Area of Cardboard Not Used = Area of Cardboard Purchased - Total Surface Area Area of Cardboard Not Used = 500 - 446 Area of Cardboard Not Used = 54 square inches

Therefore, the leftover area is 54 square inches.

Conclusion

In this problem, we calculated the total surface area of a box with dimensions 10 inches long, 9 inches wide, and 7 inches high. We then subtracted the area of the cardboard purchased from the total surface area to find the leftover area. The leftover area is 54 square inches.

Discussion

This problem requires a basic understanding of geometry and surface area calculations. It also requires the ability to think critically and re-evaluate calculations when they do not make sense. In this case, we re-evaluated our calculation to find the area of the cardboard that is not used, rather than the leftover area.

Answer

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the problem of finding the leftover area of cardboard after Cherese purchases 500 square inches of cardboard to build a box with specific dimensions. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions related to the problem.

Q: What is the formula for the total surface area of a box?

A: The formula for the total surface area of a box is:

Total Surface Area = 2lw + 2lh + 2wh

where l is the length, w is the width, and h is the height of the box.

Q: How do I calculate the total surface area of a box?

A: To calculate the total surface area of a box, you need to find the area of each face and add them together. For example, if the dimensions of the box are:

Length (l) = 10 inches
Width (w) = 9 inches
Height (h) = 7 inches

You would substitute these values into the formula:

Total Surface Area = 2(10)(9) + 2(10)(7) + 2(9)(7) Total Surface Area = 180 + 140 + 126 Total Surface Area = 446 square inches

Q: What is the leftover area of cardboard after Cherese purchases 500 square inches of cardboard?

A: The leftover area of cardboard is the area of the cardboard that is not used to build the box. To find the leftover area, you need to subtract the total surface area of the box from the area of the cardboard purchased. In this case, the leftover area is:

Leftover Area = Area of Cardboard Purchased - Total Surface Area Leftover Area = 500 - 446 Leftover Area = 54 square inches

Q: Can the leftover area be negative?

A: No, the leftover area cannot be negative. If the leftover area is negative, it would mean that Cherese has more cardboard than she needs, which is not possible.

Q: How do I re-calculate the leftover area if it is negative?

A: If the leftover area is negative, you need to re-calculate the leftover area by finding the area of the cardboard that is not used. This can be done by subtracting the total surface area of the box from the area of the cardboard purchased.

Q: What is the correct answer to the problem?

A: The correct answer is B. 54 in. $${ }^2$$

Conclusion

In this article, we answered some frequently asked questions related to the problem of finding the leftover area of cardboard after Cherese purchases 500 square inches of cardboard. We also provided examples and explanations to help clarify the concepts.

Discussion

Answer

The correct answer is B. 54 in. $${ }^2$$