What is the formula to calculate the volume of a prism?

The volume of a prism is accurately represented by the formula V = (area of base)(height). This formula works because a prism has a constant cross-sectional area, which is the area of its base, that extends uniformly along a given height. By multiplying the area of the base by the height, you effectively calculate how much space is contained within the prism.

In this context, while option A might refer to the volume of a pyramid, where the height and the area of the base are modified by a factor of one-third, it does not apply to prisms. The other options pertain to entirely different mathematical concepts, such as quadratic functions in option C, and the area of a triangle in option D, which further emphasize that the correct formula specifically applies to calculating the volume of a prism.