Question

follow the steps to find the surface area of the square prism. what is the area of the top and bottom? top and bottom: ? 3 cm 8 cm 3 cm

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the shape of top - bottom

The top and bottom of the square prism are squares with side length $s = 3$ cm.

Step2: Apply the area formula for a square

The area formula for a square is $A=s^{2}$. For one square face, $A_{1}=3\times3 = 9$ cm².

Step3: Calculate the combined area of top and bottom

Since there are two such square faces (top and bottom), $A_{total - top - bottom}=2\times A_{1}=2\times9 = 18$ cm².

Answer:

$18$ cm²