MathStories.comTM
Copyright © 1999, 2000 MathStories.com, Inc, 1426 Pine Grove Way, San Jose, California 95129 . All Rights Reserved.

Sheet # 8/Critical Thinking/Wrapping Paper

Name: _____________________ Date_____________


Use drawings, words, or numbers to explain how you got your answer.

Jackie is trying to wrap a present for her brother. The present, a car, is in a box that is twelve inches long, six inches wide, and 3 inches high. Which piece of wrapping paper should Jackie use - one that is 25 inches by 10 inches, or one that is 20 inches by 15 inches?






























Answer for sheet # 8

Calculate the surface area of the box.

12 inches x 6 inches = 72 square inches. There are two sides. Total area = 72 x 2 = 144 sq. inches

12 inches x 3 inches = 36 square inches. There are two sides. Total area = 36 square inches x 2 = 72 sq. inches.

6 inches x 3 inches = 18 inches. There are two sides. Total area = 18 x 2 = 36 sq. inches

Total surface area = 144 + 72 + 36 = 252 square inches


Paper size:

25 inches x 10 inches = 250 sq. inches.

20 inches x 15 inches = 300 sq. inches

You will choose 20 inches x 15 inches paper