To find the surface area of the rectangular prism, we need to calculate the area of each of the 6 rectangles and then add them all together.
First rectangle: 4 inches x 8 inches = 32 in^2
Second rectangle: 2.25 inches x 4 inches = 9 in^2
Third rectangle: 4 inches x 8 inches = 32 in^2
Fourth rectangle: 2.25 inches x 8 inches = 18 in^2
Fifth rectangle (same as first): 4 inches x 8 inches = 32 in^2
Sixth rectangle (same as second): 2.25 inches x 4 inches = 9 in^2
Total surface area = 32 + 9 + 32 + 18 + 32 + 9 = 132 in^2
Therefore, the surface area of the rectangular prism is 132 in^2.