Volume Prisms

Prism Formula Even though there are three different types of prisms, there is only one formula: V = Bh h = height (the distance between bases) B = area of the base **B does not represent base, but the area of the base; therefore, you must figure out the area of the base using area formulas.

Types of Prisms Prisms have two bases and are defined by what shape their bases are. If the bases are rectangular, then it is a rectangular prism. If the bases are circular, then it is a cylinder. If the bases are triangular, then it is a triangular prism.

Rectangular Prism V = Bh B = bh B = bh B = 9(5) B = 45 in2 V = Bh V = 135 in2

Triangular Prism V = Bh B = 1 2 bh B = 1 2 bh B = 1 2 (4)(6) B = 12 cm2 V = Bh V = 12(12) V = 144 cm2

Cylinder V = Bh B = πr2 B = πr2 B = 3.14(82) B = 3.14(64) B = 200.96 units2 V = Bh V = 200.96(21) V = 4,220.16 units3

Practice Solve the volumes of the figures below V = Bh V = 3.14(52)(12) V = 942 cm3 V = Bh V = 10(4)(10) V = 400 m3 V = Bh V = 3.14(42)(15) V = 753.6 cm3 V = Bh V = 1 2 (4)(6)(8) V = 96 cm3 V = Bh V = 1 2 (3)(4)(7) V = 42 ft3