The volume of a rectangular prism (a box-shaped container) is calculated by multiplying its three primary dimensions: height, width, and depth (or length). The formula is Volume = Height × Width × Depth.

Applying the given values:

Volume = 4 ft × 5 ft × 9 ft

Volume = 20 ft² × 9 ft

Volume = 180 cubic feet (ft³)

This calculation determines the total three-dimensional space inside the container, a fundamental skill in logistics for space planning and utilization.

A. 18 cubic feet: This is the sum of the dimensions (4+5+9), which is an incorrect method for calculating volume.

B. 45 cubic feet: This result incorrectly omits the height, only multiplying the width and depth (5 × 9).

D. 360 cubic feet: This value is double the correct volume and does not result from the correct application of the volume formula.

1. OpenStax. (2023). College Physics 2e. Houston, TX: OpenStax. Chapter 1, Section 1.2, "Physics and Orders of Magnitude." This section defines volume as a derived unit and provides the formula V = lwh for a rectangular box.

2. MIT OpenCourseWare. (2011). Highlights for High School: Calculus for Beginners and Artists. Geometric Solids. This resource explicitly states the formula for the volume of a box is V = length × width × height.

3. Strang, G., & Herman, E. “Jed.” (2022). Calculus Volume 1. OpenStax. Chapter 2, Section 2.4, "The Derivative as a Function," Example 2.14. The text uses the formula V(x) = x(20-2x)(30-2x) for the volume of a box, demonstrating the principle of multiplying the three dimensions.