Question 290133
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what is the surface area of a prism that has a base of 8, a perimeter of 3, and height of 6
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This problem is presented very inaccurately.


It tells about the perimeter, but does not decipher to what element of the prism does the term "perimeter" relate.


If they mean the perimeter of the base, then the condition is incorrect and self-contradictory 
and describes a situation, which NEVER may happen.


<pre>
    Indeed, if the perimeter of the base is 3, then its area can not be greater than the area of a circle

    with the circumference of 3 units, and this limited area is then  


        {{{pi*r^2}}} = {{{pi*(3/(2pi))^2}}} = {{{3.14*(3/(2*3.14))^2}}} = about 0.71656 square units.
</pre>

So, this problem is EITHER an elementary TRAP to catch a non-experienced inattentive student,
OR a composition created by mathematically illiterate Math composer, OR a fatal mistake,
or a copy-paste from a bad source.


In any case, the solution by @mananth in his post has nothing in common with reality.