What are prisms?
A prism is a type of three-dimensional (3D) shape with flat sides. It has two ends that are the same shape and size (and look like a 2D shape). It has the same cross-section all along the shape from end to end; that means if you cut through it you would see the same 2D shape as on either end.
The generic formula used to find the volume is a prism is V = Bh where B represents the area of the base shape and h represents the height of the prism. Continue reading to find out about the different types of prisms we will be learning about.
The generic formula used to find the volume is a prism is V = Bh where B represents the area of the base shape and h represents the height of the prism. Continue reading to find out about the different types of prisms we will be learning about.
•Rectangular Prisms
A rectangular prism is a 3-dimensional shape where all the faces are rectangles. The rectangles that are opposite from each other are identical. Examples of rectangular prisms include boxes, books, and dice.
Since the base shape of a rectangular prism is a rectangle, the B in the volume formula would be B = l x w and the volume would be V = Bh = l x w x h
See the example below to see how to find the volume of a rectangular prism!
See the example below to see how to find the volume of a rectangular prism!
•Triangular Prisms
A triangular prism is a 3-dimensional shape formed by stacking identical triangles. (Think about a stack of triangle-shaped cheese slices!) Three faces of the prism will be rectangles and two faces will be triangles.
To find the volume of a triangular prism, we would first have to use B = (1/2)bh since the base shape is a triangle. Then the whole volume would be represented by V = BH = (1/2)bh x H.
To find the volume of a triangular prism, we would first have to use B = (1/2)bh since the base shape is a triangle. Then the whole volume would be represented by V = BH = (1/2)bh x H.
*Note: The lower-case h represents the height of the triangle, while the upper-case H represents the height of the entire prism.
See the example below to see how to find the volume of a triangular prism!
See the example below to see how to find the volume of a triangular prism!
•Cylinder (Circular Prism)
Similar to other prisms, a cylinder Is formed by stacked identical circles. The top and bottom bases of cylinders are circles. Examples of cylinders you might see are mugs, candles, and batteries.
Since the base shape for a cylinder is a circle, the B in the volume formula is represented by the area of the circle on the bottom of the cylinder. Therefore, B = πr^2 and the volume formula would be V = Bh = πr^2 x h.
See the example below to see how to find the volume of a cylinder!
See the example below to see how to find the volume of a cylinder!