You cannot use circular faces, in a prism. I would begin by reviewing the definition of a prism. I think that Denis was focused on the illustration, but that's just an example. Your prisms may have less edges and faces. Projects like this often require experimentation. Try some basic shapes, and see how their volume and surface area change, as you alter the shape.Sorry, but I don't understand your hint. I guess for the biggest surface area and volume I would need a base that is the biggest simple 2d shape(With a given perimeter). I know it is the circle. Problem is, I have to put wire between every corner of the bottom shape and the top shape. Where is a circles corners? I think is has none. But I can't just make 2 wire circles floating in space...
My hint is that other types of prism(s) may have greater surface area. :cool:Squares produce maximum rectangular areas,
a square being also a rectangle.
That was my hint: your problem does mention
maximum area.