Alongside numerous formulas for finding the area of a square, triangle, and the volume of a cube, the formulas for finding the area and volume of a rectangular prism are among the most crucial formulas in solid geometry due to the prevalence of problems related to rectangular prisms.
Calculate the area and volume of a rectangular prism.
Understanding this importance, Mytour introduces to readers a compilation of formulas, methods for calculating the area and volume of a rectangular prism.
Compilation of formulas for finding the area and volume of a rectangular prism
A rectangular prism is a geometric figure with 6 faces that are rectangles. The opposite faces are the base, and the remaining faces are the sides. To understand more about this shape, refer to the Wikipedia article on rectangular prisms.
1. Formulas and methods for calculating the area of a rectangular prism
The formula for finding the area of a rectangular prism is divided into the formula for finding the lateral area and the total surface area of the rectangular prism.
- The lateral area of a rectangular prism equals the perimeter of the base multiplied by the height.
Where:
- Slat is the lateral area of the rectangular prism.
- a is the length of the rectangular prism.
- b is the width of the rectangular prism.
- h is the height of the rectangular prism.
- The total surface area of a rectangular prism equals the lateral area plus the area of two bases.
Where:
- Stp represents the total surface area of the rectangular prism.
- a is the length of the rectangular prism.
- b is the width of the rectangular prism.
- h is the height of the rectangular prism.
Example: Given a rectangular prism with a length of 8cm, a width of 5cm, and a height of 4cm. What are the lateral area and total surface area of this rectangular prism?
Solution: Apply the formulas for finding the lateral area and total surface area of a rectangular prism as presented above to calculate.
Answer: The lateral area of the rectangular prism is: (5 + 8) x 2 x 4 = 104 (cm2).
The total surface area of the rectangular prism is: 104 + 2 x 5 x 8 = 184 (cm2).
2. Formulas and methods for finding the volume of a rectangular prism
- Formula for finding the volume of a rectangular prism
V = a x b x h
Where:
- V represents the volume of the rectangular prism.
- a is the length of the rectangular prism.
- b is the width of the rectangular prism.
- h is the height of the rectangular prism.
Example: Calculate the volume of a rectangle with a width of 4cm, length of 7cm, and height of 6cm.
Solution: Apply the formula for finding the volume of a rectangular prism as presented above to calculate.
Answer: The volume of the rectangular prism is: 4 x 7 x 6 = 168 (cm3).
The formulas for calculating the area and volume of a rectangular prism introduced by Mytour are quite easy to remember and understand. If you have ever applied the formula for finding the volume of a rectangular prism to solve solid geometry problems, you will find it to be a common formula with connections to formulas for finding the area of a square, rectangle, or the volume of a cube.
Among spatial geometry formulas, the formulas for finding the area of triangles, squares, and rectangles are the most commonly used. Therefore, readers should always remember these formulas for easy application and integration with other supplementary geometry formulas.
Rectangular prisms and cones, as well as cylinders, are essential shapes in spatial geometry that we all must learn about. If the previous article helped you understand how to calculate the area and volume of a rectangular prism, the next article from Mytour will help you grasp the formulas for finding the area and volume of a cone, enabling you to apply them accurately in various problems.
Best of luck to all of you!