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Volume and

Surface Area of a Triangular Prism

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A triangular prism is a three-sided polyhedron with two

parallel triangular bases and three rectangular faces. It should not be confused with a pyramid.

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Step 1: Identify the base and height of one of the triangular bases.

The triangular bases of the triangular prism will have the same dimensions, so it doesn't

matter which triangle you use.

Volume of a Triangular Prism

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Find the base and the height of the triangle by locating the length of one of the sides of the triangle as well as the length of a line

perpendicular to that first line.

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Step 2: Multiply them. This is the first step to finding the area of the base, which is, in the case of the triangular prism, a triangle. So: 3 cm x 4 cm = 12 cm2. Don't forget to state your answer in square units since

you're working with area.

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Step 3: Divide the result by two. To finish finding the area of the triangular base, simply

divide 12 cm2 by 2. So, 12 cm2/2 = 6 cm2

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Step 4: Multiply this number by the height of the shape. Let's say the height of the

triangular prism, or the length of one of its sides, is 10 cm. So, just multiply 6 cm2 x 10 cm to find the volume of the triangular

prism. 6 cm2 x 10 cm = 60 cm3. Don't forget to state

your answer in cubic units since you're working with

volume.

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You have just followed the simple formula for finding the volume of a triangular prism:

V = (Area of the triangular base) X length

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Now you try!

Get a white board, marker and eraser. It’s time for

Showdown!

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0011 0010 1010 1101 0001 0100 101190 cm3

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0011 0010 1010 1101 0001 0100 101196 cm3

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0011 0010 1010 1101 0001 0100 1011960 cm3

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Surface Area of a Triangular Prism: Just find the area of the three

rectangles and two triangles and add them together.

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Step 1: Find the area of the base triangle.

6(8)/2 = 24cm2

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Step 2: The other base will have the same area so add them together or

multiply by 2.

6(8)/2 = 24cm2

24 + 24 = 48cm2

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Step 3: Find the area of each rectangle.

15(10) = 150cm2

15(6) = 90cm2

15(8) = 120cm2

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Step 4: Add the area of each rectangle to the sum of the triangular bases.

24 + 24 = 48cm2

15(10) = 150cm2

15(6) = 90cm2

15(8) = 120cm2

48 + 150 + 90 + 120 = 408 cm2

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Now you try!

Get a white board, marker and eraser. It’s time for

Showdown!

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0011 0010 1010 1101 0001 0100 1011672 cm2

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0011 0010 1010 1101 0001 0100 1011164 cm2

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0011 0010 1010 1101 0001 0100 101196 cm2