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2026-01-01
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<p>Last updated on<strong>September 4, 2025</strong></p>
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<p>Last updated on<strong>September 4, 2025</strong></p>
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<p>A prism is a 3-dimensional shape that has two parallel, congruent bases connected by rectangular faces. The surface area of a prism is the total area covered by its outer surface. In this article, we will learn about the surface area of a prism.</p>
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<p>A prism is a 3-dimensional shape that has two parallel, congruent bases connected by rectangular faces. The surface area of a prism is the total area covered by its outer surface. In this article, we will learn about the surface area of a prism.</p>
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<h2>What is the Surface Area of a Prism?</h2>
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<h2>What is the Surface Area of a Prism?</h2>
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<p>The surface area of a prism is the total area occupied by the boundary or surface of the prism. It is measured in<a>square</a>units.</p>
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<p>The surface area of a prism is the total area occupied by the boundary or surface of the prism. It is measured in<a>square</a>units.</p>
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<p>A prism is a 3D shape with two identical bases and rectangular sides connecting the bases. Prisms can be classified into different types, such as rectangular prisms, triangular prisms, and more, depending on the shape of their bases.</p>
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<p>A prism is a 3D shape with two identical bases and rectangular sides connecting the bases. Prisms can be classified into different types, such as rectangular prisms, triangular prisms, and more, depending on the shape of their bases.</p>
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<p>The surface area of a prism includes the area of the bases and the lateral surface area, which is the area of the rectangular faces.</p>
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<p>The surface area of a prism includes the area of the bases and the lateral surface area, which is the area of the rectangular faces.</p>
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<h2>Surface Area of a Prism Formula</h2>
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<h2>Surface Area of a Prism Formula</h2>
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<p>A prism has a lateral surface area and a total surface area. The lateral surface area refers to the<a>sum</a>of the areas of the rectangular faces, excluding the bases, while the total surface area includes the area of the bases as well.</p>
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<p>A prism has a lateral surface area and a total surface area. The lateral surface area refers to the<a>sum</a>of the areas of the rectangular faces, excluding the bases, while the total surface area includes the area of the bases as well.</p>
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<p>Here is a general<a>formula</a>for calculating the surface area of a prism. For a prism with<a>base</a>perimeter P, base area B, and height h:</p>
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<p>Here is a general<a>formula</a>for calculating the surface area of a prism. For a prism with<a>base</a>perimeter P, base area B, and height h:</p>
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<p>Lateral Surface Area = P × h</p>
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<p>Lateral Surface Area = P × h</p>
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<p>Total Surface Area = Lateral Surface Area + 2B</p>
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<p>Total Surface Area = Lateral Surface Area + 2B</p>
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<h2>Lateral Surface Area of a Prism</h2>
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<h2>Lateral Surface Area of a Prism</h2>
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<p>The lateral surface area of a prism is the sum of the areas of all its side faces, excluding the bases.</p>
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<p>The lateral surface area of a prism is the sum of the areas of all its side faces, excluding the bases.</p>
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<p>For a prism with a base perimeter P and height h, the formula for the lateral surface area is:</p>
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<p>For a prism with a base perimeter P and height h, the formula for the lateral surface area is:</p>
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<p>Lateral Surface Area = P × h</p>
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<p>Lateral Surface Area = P × h</p>
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<p>Here, P is the perimeter of the base of the prism, and h is the height of the prism.</p>
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<p>Here, P is the perimeter of the base of the prism, and h is the height of the prism.</p>
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<h2>Total Surface Area of a Prism</h2>
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<h2>Total Surface Area of a Prism</h2>
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<p>The total surface area of a prism is the sum of the lateral surface area and the areas of the two bases. For a prism with base area B, base perimeter P, and height h, the formula for the total surface area is:</p>
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<p>The total surface area of a prism is the sum of the lateral surface area and the areas of the two bases. For a prism with base area B, base perimeter P, and height h, the formula for the total surface area is:</p>
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<p>Total Surface Area = Lateral Surface Area + 2B</p>
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<p>Total Surface Area = Lateral Surface Area + 2B</p>
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<p>This can be rewritten as: Total Surface Area = P × h + 2B</p>
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<p>This can be rewritten as: Total Surface Area = P × h + 2B</p>
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<p>Where B is the area of one base of the prism.</p>
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<p>Where B is the area of one base of the prism.</p>
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<h2>Volume of a Prism</h2>
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<h2>Volume of a Prism</h2>
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<p>The volume of a prism is the amount of space the prism occupies. It can be calculated by multiplying the area of the base by the height of the prism.</p>
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<p>The volume of a prism is the amount of space the prism occupies. It can be calculated by multiplying the area of the base by the height of the prism.</p>
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<p>The formula for the volume of a prism is: Volume = B × h</p>
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<p>The formula for the volume of a prism is: Volume = B × h</p>
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<p>Where B is the area of the base and h is the height of the prism.</p>
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<p>Where B is the area of the base and h is the height of the prism.</p>
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<h2>Confusion between Lateral Surface Area and Total Surface Area</h2>
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<h2>Confusion between Lateral Surface Area and Total Surface Area</h2>
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<p>Students assume that the lateral surface area and the total surface area of a prism are the same. This confusion arises because both involve the height and base perimeter. Always remember that the lateral surface area includes only the rectangular faces, while the total surface area includes the bases as well.</p>
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<p>Students assume that the lateral surface area and the total surface area of a prism are the same. This confusion arises because both involve the height and base perimeter. Always remember that the lateral surface area includes only the rectangular faces, while the total surface area includes the bases as well.</p>
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<h3>Problem 1</h3>
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<h3>Problem 1</h3>
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<p>Given P = 12 cm, h = 8 cm. Use the formula: Lateral Surface Area = P × h = 12 × 8 = 96 cm²</p>
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<p>Given P = 12 cm, h = 8 cm. Use the formula: Lateral Surface Area = P × h = 12 × 8 = 96 cm²</p>
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<p>Okay, lets begin</p>
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<p>Okay, lets begin</p>
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<p>Find the total surface area of a rectangular prism with a base area of 20 cm², base perimeter of 18 cm, and height of 10 cm.</p>
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<p>Find the total surface area of a rectangular prism with a base area of 20 cm², base perimeter of 18 cm, and height of 10 cm.</p>
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<h3>Explanation</h3>
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<h3>Explanation</h3>
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<p>Total Surface Area = 280 cm²</p>
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<p>Total Surface Area = 280 cm²</p>
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<p>Well explained 👍</p>
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<p>Well explained 👍</p>
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<h3>Problem 2</h3>
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<h3>Problem 2</h3>
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<p>Use the formula: Total Surface Area = P × h + 2B = 18 × 10 + 2 × 20 = 180 + 40 = 220 cm²</p>
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<p>Use the formula: Total Surface Area = P × h + 2B = 18 × 10 + 2 × 20 = 180 + 40 = 220 cm²</p>
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<p>Okay, lets begin</p>
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<p>Okay, lets begin</p>
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<p>A prism has a base area of 15 cm², a base perimeter of 14 cm, and a height of 6 cm. Find the total surface area.</p>
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<p>A prism has a base area of 15 cm², a base perimeter of 14 cm, and a height of 6 cm. Find the total surface area.</p>
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<h3>Explanation</h3>
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<h3>Explanation</h3>
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<p>Total Surface Area = 144 cm²</p>
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<p>Total Surface Area = 144 cm²</p>
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<p>Well explained 👍</p>
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<p>Well explained 👍</p>
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<h3>Problem 3</h3>
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<h3>Problem 3</h3>
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<p>Use the formula: Total Surface Area = P × h + 2B = 14 × 6 + 2 × 15 = 84 + 30 = 114 cm²</p>
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<p>Use the formula: Total Surface Area = P × h + 2B = 14 × 6 + 2 × 15 = 84 + 30 = 114 cm²</p>
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<p>Okay, lets begin</p>
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<p>Okay, lets begin</p>
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<p>Find the lateral surface area of a prism with a base perimeter of 10 cm and a height of 12 cm.</p>
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<p>Find the lateral surface area of a prism with a base perimeter of 10 cm and a height of 12 cm.</p>
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<h3>Explanation</h3>
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<h3>Explanation</h3>
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<p>Lateral Surface Area = 120 cm²</p>
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<p>Lateral Surface Area = 120 cm²</p>
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<p>Well explained 👍</p>
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<p>Well explained 👍</p>
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<h3>Problem 4</h3>
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<h3>Problem 4</h3>
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<p>Lateral Surface Area = P × h = 10 × 12 = 120 cm²</p>
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<p>Lateral Surface Area = P × h = 10 × 12 = 120 cm²</p>
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<p>Okay, lets begin</p>
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<p>Okay, lets begin</p>
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<p>The height of a prism is 7 cm, and its lateral surface area is 154 cm². Find the base perimeter.</p>
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<p>The height of a prism is 7 cm, and its lateral surface area is 154 cm². Find the base perimeter.</p>
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<h3>Explanation</h3>
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<h3>Explanation</h3>
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<p>Base Perimeter = 22 cm</p>
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<p>Base Perimeter = 22 cm</p>
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<p>Well explained 👍</p>
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<p>Well explained 👍</p>
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<h2>It is the total area that covers the outside of the prism, including its rectangular faces and the two bases.</h2>
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<h2>It is the total area that covers the outside of the prism, including its rectangular faces and the two bases.</h2>
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<h3>1.What are the two types of surface area in a prism?</h3>
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<h3>1.What are the two types of surface area in a prism?</h3>
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<p>Lateral surface area and total surface area are the two types of surface area in a prism.</p>
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<p>Lateral surface area and total surface area are the two types of surface area in a prism.</p>
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<h3>2.How do you calculate the total surface area of a prism?</h3>
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<h3>2.How do you calculate the total surface area of a prism?</h3>
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<p>The total surface area is calculated by adding the lateral surface area to the area of the two bases.</p>
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<p>The total surface area is calculated by adding the lateral surface area to the area of the two bases.</p>
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<h3>3.What is the formula for the lateral surface area of a prism?</h3>
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<h3>3.What is the formula for the lateral surface area of a prism?</h3>
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<p>The lateral surface area is calculated using the formula: Lateral Surface Area = P × h, where P is the perimeter of the base and h is the height of the prism.</p>
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<p>The lateral surface area is calculated using the formula: Lateral Surface Area = P × h, where P is the perimeter of the base and h is the height of the prism.</p>
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<h3>4.What unit is surface area measured in?</h3>
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<h3>4.What unit is surface area measured in?</h3>
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<p>Surface area is always measured in square units like cm², m², or in².</p>
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<p>Surface area is always measured in square units like cm², m², or in².</p>
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<h2>Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in the Surface Area of a Prism</h2>
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<h2>Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in the Surface Area of a Prism</h2>
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<p>Students often make mistakes while calculating the surface area of a prism, leading to incorrect answers. Below are some common mistakes and ways to avoid them.</p>
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<p>Students often make mistakes while calculating the surface area of a prism, leading to incorrect answers. Below are some common mistakes and ways to avoid them.</p>
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<p>What Is Measurement? 📏 | Easy Tricks, Units & 🎯 Fun Learning for Kids | ✨BrightCHAMPS Math</p>
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<p>What Is Measurement? 📏 | Easy Tricks, Units & 🎯 Fun Learning for Kids | ✨BrightCHAMPS Math</p>
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<h2>Seyed Ali Fathima S</h2>
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<h2>Seyed Ali Fathima S</h2>
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<h3>About the Author</h3>
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<h3>About the Author</h3>
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<p>Seyed Ali Fathima S a math expert with nearly 5 years of experience as a math teacher. From an engineer to a math teacher, shows her passion for math and teaching. She is a calculator queen, who loves tables and she turns tables to puzzles and songs.</p>
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<p>Seyed Ali Fathima S a math expert with nearly 5 years of experience as a math teacher. From an engineer to a math teacher, shows her passion for math and teaching. She is a calculator queen, who loves tables and she turns tables to puzzles and songs.</p>
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<h3>Fun Fact</h3>
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<h3>Fun Fact</h3>
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<p>: She has songs for each table which helps her to remember the tables</p>
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<p>: She has songs for each table which helps her to remember the tables</p>