Grade 7 · Account for every box face · 248 of 750
Account for every box face · practice 26
Find the surface area of a closed rectangular box with edge lengths 1, 1, and 2. Follow the calculation, then test the quantities in the animated example.
Try the question, use a hint when you need one, and compare your reasoning with the worked solution. The animation starts with this chapter’s values; changing its controls explores a new case.
01 · Make a prediction
Your practice question
Find the surface area of a closed rectangular box with edge lengths 1, 1, and 2.
Use this scratch space or work on paper. Your notes stay on this page and clear when you leave. Answers are for self-checking; they are not automatically graded.
A starting point
There are three face sizes, with two copies of each.
Work through the reasoning
Step 1
Translate the givens
The three face areas are 1 × 1 = 1, 1 × 2 = 2, and 1 × 2 = 2.
Step 2
Calculate with the model
Add one of each: 1 + 2 + 2 = 5.
Step 3
Check and interpret
Include their opposite partners: 2 × 5 = 10 square units. This counts all six outside faces, not interior volume.
The answer
10 square units.
Compare the method as well as the result. A different valid method may reach the same answer. Keep exact values until the last step when the question asks for rounding.
02 · Explore the model
See the mathematical relationship move.
Use Play, Pause, and the timeline to inspect the construction. Reset restores the question’s original settings. The displayed assumptions describe where this model applies.
Watch the relationship
PausedHD animation studio
From experiment to screen.
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The mathematical idea
Surface area adds the areas of the outside faces rather than measuring the space inside a box. A rectangular prism has three different face products, each appearing twice. A net exposes all six rectangles so hidden faces are not forgotten. Starting quantities: Length = 1; Width = 1; Height = 2.
S = 2(ab + ac + bc)
03 · Reflect and transfer
Explain what changes and why.
Which area would you subtract if the box had no top?
This is a distinct guided scenario using a reusable mathematical model. Similar-looking diagrams can represent different given values and conclusions; they are not different mathematical theories.