1. The problem is to find the surface area of a rectangular prism with dimensions 3 ft, 2 ft, and 5 ft. 2. The formula for the surface area $SA$ of a rectangular prism with length $l$, width $w$, and height $h$ is: $$SA = 2(lw + lh + wh)$$ 3. Substitute the given dimensions: $l=5$, $w=2$, $h=3$. 4. Calculate each product: $$lw = 5 \times 2 = 10$$ $$lh = 5 \times 3 = 15$$ $$wh = 2 \times 3 = 6$$ 5. Sum the products: $$10 + 15 + 6 = 31$$ 6. Multiply by 2: $$SA = 2 \times 31 = 62$$ 7. Therefore, the surface area of the rectangular prism is $62$ square feet.