College Math CLEP Prep Practice Exam

How many lines of symmetry does a rectangular prism have?

1. 1

2. 2

3. 3

4. 4

The correct answer is: 3

A rectangular prism has three lines of symmetry, one for each pair of opposite faces. This is because it can be folded along three different planes to create identical halves. Option A is incorrect because a single line of symmetry would indicate that the prism can be folded along just one plane to create identical halves. Option B is also incorrect because while a rectangle may have two lines of symmetry, a rectangular prism has more dimensions and therefore, more lines of symmetry. Option D is incorrect because four lines of symmetry would suggest that the prism can be folded along four planes to create identical halves, which is not possible.