Here’s how to get really good at solving word problems about surface area and volume in 9th-grade math:

1. Know the Important Ideas:

   • Surface Area Formulas:
     • For Cubes: Surface Area (SA) = 6 times the side length squared.
     • For Rectangular Prisms: SA = 2 times length times width + 2 times length times height + 2 times width times height.
   • Volume Formulas:
     • For Cubes: Volume (V) = side length times itself three times.
     • For Cylinders: V = pi times radius squared times height.

2. Read the Problems Slowly:

   • Figure out what shape you’re dealing with (like a cube, sphere, or cylinder).
   • Pick out the important numbers and measurements.

3. Take it Step by Step:

   • Change measurements to the right units if needed.
   • Plug in the numbers into the formulas one at a time.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice:

   • Use your textbook or find exercises online to practice.
   • Try to do at least 10 practice problems each week.

5. Ask for Help:

   • If you find something really tough, talk to your friends or teachers. They can help explain things better.