Explain how you could calculate the surface area of a square pyramid.

Answer:

To calculate the surface area of a square pyramid, first find the area of the square base by multiplying the side length by itself. Then, find the area of one triangular face using the formula 1/2 * base * slant height. Multiply the area of one face by four to get the total lateral area. Finally, add the area of the base and the total area of the four faces together.