How do I calculate the surface area of various 3D shapes?

Calculating the surface area of 3D shapes is an important skill in mathematics and science. Depending on the shape, the process for finding the surface area can vary. Here is a brief overview of how to find the surface area of some common 3D shapes:

• Cube: The surface area of a cube is given by the formula 6s², where s is the length of one of its sides.
• Rectangular prism: The surface area of a rectangular prism is given by the formula 2lw + 2lh + 2wh, where l, w, and h are the length, width, and height of the prism, respectively.
• Sphere: The surface area of a sphere is given by the formula 4πr², where r is the radius of the sphere.
• Cylinder: The surface area of a cylinder is given by the formula 2πrh + 2πr², where r is the radius of the base and h is the height of the cylinder.

These are just a few examples, but there are many other 3D shapes with their own unique formulas for calculating surface area. It is important to have a strong understanding of geometry and trigonometry to be able to calculate the surface area of more complex shapes.