1. **State the problem:** Find the volume of the composite figure composed of two rectangular prisms joined together. 2. **Identify dimensions:** - Vertical prism: height = 8 in, width = 2 in, depth = 2 in - Horizontal prism: length = 10 in, width = 2 in, height = 2 in 3. **Formula for volume of a rectangular prism:** $$V = \text{length} \times \text{width} \times \text{height}$$ 4. **Calculate volume of vertical prism:** $$V_1 = 8 \times 2 \times 2 = 32$$ 5. **Calculate volume of horizontal prism:** $$V_2 = 10 \times 2 \times 2 = 40$$ 6. **Check for overlap:** The prisms overlap in a small cube of dimensions 2 in by 2 in by 2 in. 7. **Calculate volume of overlap:** $$V_{overlap} = 2 \times 2 \times 2 = 8$$ 8. **Calculate total volume:** $$V = V_1 + V_2 - V_{overlap} = 32 + 40 - 8 = 64$$ 9. **Final answer:** The volume of the composite figure is **64 in.^3**.