A decorative box has a rectangular base (20cm by 15cm) and a hemispherical top with the same diameter as the base. What is the total surface area of the box (excluding the base)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To find the total surface area of the box excluding the base, calculate the lateral surface area of the rectangular base and the surface area of the hemisphere. The lateral surface area of the rectangular base is 2(20cm x 15cm) = 600 sq cm. The surface area of the hemisphere is 2πr^2, where r is half the diameter of the base, so r = 10cm. Thus, the surface area of the hemisphere is 2π(10cm)^2 = 200π sq cm ≈ 628.32 sq cm. Add the lateral surface area of the base and the surface area of the hemisphere: 600 sq cm + 628.32 sq cm ≈ 1228.32 sq cm. Therefore, the total surface area of the box is approximately 1228.32 sq cm, which is closest to 1325 sq cm (Choice C). Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the accurate calculation of the total surface area of the box.