Answer:
a) 16 in²
b) 20 cm²
Step-by-step explanation:
In any prism, a cross section parallel to parallel faces will have the same shape and area as either of those faces. (That is why we say a prism has a uniform cross section.)
a) The face(s) parallel to the cut plane are squares 4 in on a side, so that is the shape of the cross section. Its area is (4 in)² = 16 in².
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b) The face(s) parallel to the cut plane are rectangles 4 cm by 5 cm. That is the shape of the cross section. Its area is (4 cm)(5 cm) = 20 cm².
