Answer:

The original volume of the rectangular prism is given by:

V = length x width x height

Let's call the original dimensions of the prism l, w, and h. Then we have:

V = lwh

The new dimensions of the prism are:

length = 3l

width = 2w

height = h/2

The new volume of the prism is:

V' = (3l) x (2w) x (h/2)

Simplifying this expression, we get:

V' = 3lw x wh

V' = 3V

Therefore, the new volume of the rectangular prism is three times the original volume.