Print this chapterPrint this chapter

Lesson 4: Surface Area of 3-D Objects

Launch

Math 10C Module 1 Lesson 4 This section checks to see if you have the prerequisite knowledge and skills to be able to complete this lesson successfully.

Are you Ready?

Complete these questions in your course folder (binder). If you are experiencing difficulty, you may want to use the information and the multimedia in the Refresher section to clarify concepts before completing these exercises.

You will use this illustration to answer questions 1 and 2.

1. What makes a prism different from a pyramid?

2.   Look at the 3-D objects in the illustration. Identify them either as prisms or pyramids.

3.   What does area mean?

4.   Show the formula for the area of a   
a.   rectangle
b.   triangle
c.   circle

5.   Determine, to the nearest tenth of a cm2, the area of the following shapes:

Once you have completed these exercises to the best of your ability, use the provided answer link to check your work.

Answers


If you feel comfortable with the concepts covered in the questions, move forward to Discover. If you experienced difficulties or want more practice, use the resources in Refresher to review these important concepts before continuing through the lesson or contact your teacher.

Refresher

How did you do? Did you remember the difference between a prism and a pyramid? Did you remember how to find the area of basic shapes? Great work, if you remembered! If you did not remember, please carefully read this Refresher section.

Let’s take a look at what area means and how to find areas of basic shapes. This information will not only be helpful as you prepare to find the surface area of objects in this lesson but also when you explore the volume of those objects in the next lesson.

Area Definition

The Mathematics Glossary defines the term area. Go to “Area” to learn more. It contains an interactive Java applet and Flash animations to illustrate the definition. (Username is LA53, password is 4487 if needed.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finding Area with Unit Squares

The mathematics lesson “Finding Area with Unit Squares” explores the measurement of square units. The lesson presents the formulas for the area of a rectangle, parallelogram, and triangle, and it includes math problems that involve the practical application of these formulas.(Username is LA53, password is 4487 if needed.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Estimating Area Using a Grid

The mathematics lesson “Estimating Area Using a Grid” uses inscribed polygons, circumscribed polygons, and the concept of limits to explain how the area of a circle can be measured. The lesson includes a game and a math problem that demonstrate the practical application of the formula for the area of a circle.

Materials

  • paper
  • prism net and pyramid net
  • soup can with label
  • scissors
  • scotch tape
  • a rectangular prism, such as a wooden block, a shoe box, or a cereal box

You will also require these materials to complete Math Lab: The Surface Area of an Orange:

  • orange
  • string
  • ruler