Calculate the Volumes of Prisms

In this activity, we will learn how to calculate the volume of a prism.

 

A prism is a:

3D shape which has the same cross-section running through it.

 

 

 

If we sliced it anywhere along the cross-section we would get the same shape as the ends.

 

 

The volume is how much room it takes up inside!

 

To find it we multiply the area of the cross-section by the length.

 

 

Let's try a question!

 

Example

Calculate the volume of the pentagonal prism:

 

 

Answer

The cross-section is a pentagon.

That means if we slice it, the slices would be pentagons all the way through!

 

Volume = Area of cross-section x length

 

Volume = 40 x 15

Volume = 600 cm³

 

Let's do some questions!