1. **State the problem:** We are given a prism with surface area 54 square inches. We want to find the surface area of a similar prism that is smaller by a scale factor of 3. 2. **Recall the formula and rule:** For similar solids, surface area scales by the square of the scale factor. If the scale factor is $k$, then $$\text{Surface Area}_{new} = k^2 \times \text{Surface Area}_{original}$$ 3. **Apply the scale factor:** Here, the smaller prism has scale factor $k = \frac{1}{3}$ (since it is smaller by a factor of 3). 4. **Calculate the new surface area:** $$\text{Surface Area}_{new} = \left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^2 \times 54 = \frac{1}{9} \times 54 = 6$$ 5. **Interpret the result:** The surface area of the smaller prism is 6 square inches. **Final answer:** 6 square inches Note: The options given (9 in² and 18 in²) do not match the correct calculation, which is 6 in².