how do you find sqaure feet?

Question

Carrie bought a gift that is inside a box that is 3 feet by 2 feet by 3 feet. How much wrapping paper is needed to cover the box?

Answer 1

This is a surface area problem and if the numbers given are length, width, and height in that order, then the box's outside surface area is............

3 x 2 + 3 x 2 (The top & bottom surfaces) + 3 x 3 + 3 x 3 (The back & front surfaces) + 2 x 3 + 2 x 3 (the 2 sides) = 6 + 6 + 9 + 9 + 6 + 6 = 42 ft²

So 42 ft² of paper is needed.

We both know that more is needed since the paper is doubled over over some of the surface!