16Hit1600
Geometry and TrigonometryVery hardSurface area of an open-topped cylinder

Geometry and Trigonometry practice question

An open-topped cylindrical can has a radius of 2 and a height of 3. What is the total surface area of the can, including its base but not a lid?

  1. A. 16πCorrect
  2. B. 20π
  3. C. 12π
  4. D. 28π

Answer: A. 16π

Base: π(2²) = 4π. Curved side: 2π(2)(3) = 12π. No lid. Total: 4π + 12π = 16π.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. 20π
20π includes a lid (another 4π), but the can is open-topped.
C. 12π
12π is the curved side alone, without the base.
D. 28π
28π adds two circles of 8π (using the diameter as the radius) to the side.

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