\begin{tabular}{l} What does B represent in surface area formulas? \\ Area of the prism \\ Area of the base \\ \( \begin{array}{c}\text { Perimeter of the } \\ \text { prism }\end{array} \) \\ \( \begin{array}{c}\text { Perimeter of the } \\ \text { base }\end{array} \) \\ \hline\end{tabular}

In surface area formulas, particularly for prisms, the variable \( B \) typically represents the **area of the base**. Here's a general formula for the surface area \( S \) of a prism: \[ S = 2B + Ph \] Where: - \( B \) is the area of one base of the prism. - \( P \) is the perimeter of the base. - \( h \) is the height of the prism. **Explanation of the Formula:** - **\( 2B \):** This accounts for the top and bottom bases of the prism. - **\( Ph \):** This represents the lateral surface area, which is the perimeter of the base multiplied by the height of the prism. **Therefore, in the context of surface area formulas for prisms:** - **\( B \) = Area of the base** **Answer:** **Area of the base**