Assuming the square base is included as part of the surface area, the total surface area is
(total area) = (base area) + 4*(triangular face area)
189 cm^2 = 49 cm^2 + 4*(triangular face area) (put the given numbers into the equation)
140 cm^2 = 4*(triangular face area) (subtract the base area)
140/4 cm^2 = (triangular face area) (divide by 4)
35 cm^2 = (triangular face area)
(total area) = (base area) + 4*(triangular face area)
189 cm^2 = 49 cm^2 + 4*(triangular face area) (put the given numbers into the equation)
140 cm^2 = 4*(triangular face area) (subtract the base area)
140/4 cm^2 = (triangular face area) (divide by 4)
35 cm^2 = (triangular face area)