Solve Geometry Applications: Volume and Surface Area

Find Volume and Surface Area of Rectangular Solids

A cheerleading coach is having the squad paint wooden crates with the school colors to stand on at the games. (See Figure 1). The amount of paint needed to cover the outside of each box is the surface area, a square measure of the total area of all the sides. The amount of space inside the crate is the volume, a cubic measure.

This is an image of a wooden crate. — This wooden crate is in the shape of a rectangular solid.

Each crate is in the shape of a rectangular solid. Its dimensions are the length, width, and height. The rectangular solid shown in Figure 2 has length $4$ units, width $2$ units, and height $3$ units. Can you tell how many cubic units there are altogether? Let’s look layer by layer.

A rectangular solid is shown. Each layer is composed of 8 cubes, measuring 2 by 4. The top layer is pink. The middle layer is orange. The bottom layer is green. Beside this is an image of the top layer that says “The top layer has 8 cubic units.” The orange layer is shown and says “The middle layer has 8 cubic units.” The green layer is shown and says, “The bottom layer has 8 cubic units.” — Breaking a rectangular solid into layers makes it easier to visualize the number of cubic units it contains. This $4$ by $2$ by $3$ rectangular solid has $24$ cubic units.

Altogether there are $24$ cubic units. Notice that $24$ is the $length \times width \times height .$

The top line says V equals L times W times H. Beneath the V is 24, beneath the equal sign is another equal sign, beneath the L is a 4, beneath the W is a 2, beneath the H is a 3.

The volume, $V,$ of any rectangular solid is the product of the length, width, and height.

V = L W H

We could also write the formula for volume of a rectangular solid in terms of the area of the base. The area of the base, $B,$ is equal to $length \times width .$

B = L \cdot W

We can substitute $B$ for $L \cdot W$ in the volume formula to get another form of the volume formula.

The top line says V equals red L times red W times H. Below this is V equals red parentheses L times W times H. Below this is V equals red capital B times h.

We now have another version of the volume formula for rectangular solids. Let’s see how this works with the $4 \times 2 \times 3$ rectangular solid we started with. See Figure 2.

An image of a rectangular solid is shown. It is made up of cubes. It is labeled as 2 by 4 by 3. Beside the solid is V equals Bh. Below this is V equals Base times height. Below Base is parentheses 4 times 2. The next line says V equals parentheses 4 times 2 times 3. Below that is V equals 8 times 3, then V equals 24 cubic units.

To find the surface area of a rectangular solid, think about finding the area of each of its faces. How many faces does the rectangular solid above have? You can see three of them.

\begin{matrix} A_{front} = L \times W & A_{side} = L \times W & A_{top} = L \times W \\ A_{front} = 4 \cdot 3 & A_{side} = 2 \cdot 3 & A_{top} = 4 \cdot 2 \\ A_{front} = 12 & A_{side} = 6 & A_{top} = 8 \end{matrix}

Notice for each of the three faces you see, there is an identical opposite face that does not show.

\begin{array}{l} S = (front + back) + (left side + right side) + (top + bottom) \\ S = (2 \cdot front) + (2 \cdot left side) + (2 \cdot top) \\ S = 2 \cdot 12 + 2 \cdot 6 + 2 \cdot 8 \\ S = 24 + 12 + 16 \\ S = 52 sq. units \end{array}

The surface area $S$ of the rectangular solid shown in Figure 3 is $52$ square units.

In general, to find the surface area of a rectangular solid, remember that each face is a rectangle, so its area is the product of its two dimensions, either length and width, length and height, or width and height (see Figure 4). Find the area of each face that you see and then multiply each area by two to account for the face on the opposite side.

S = 2 L H + 2 L W + 2 W H

A rectangular solid is shown. The sides are labeled L, W, and H. One face is labeled LW and another is labeled WH. — For each face of the rectangular solid facing you, there is another face on the opposite side. There are $6$ faces in all.

For a rectangular solid with length $14$ cm, height $17$ cm, and width $9$ cm, find the ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

Solution

Step 1 is the same for both ⓐ and ⓑ , so we will show it just once.

Step 1. Read the problem. Draw the figure and
label it with the given information.

A cuboid shown in 3D perspective with dimensions: length 14, width 9, and height 17. Hidden edges are indicated by dashed lines.

This table outlines the systematic steps for solving a problem, exemplified by calculating the volume of a rectangular solid.
ⓐ
Step 2. Identify what you are looking for.	the volume of the rectangular solid
Step 3. Name. Choose a variable to represent it.	Let $V$ = volume
Step 4. Translate. Write the appropriate formula. Substitute.	$V = L W H$ $V = 14 \cdot 9 \cdot 17$
Step 5. Solve the equation.	$V = 2,142$
Step 6. Check We leave it to you to check your calculations.
Step 7. Answer the question.	The volume is $2,142$ cubic centimeters.

Step-by-step guide detailing the process and results for calculating the surface area of a solid.
ⓑ
Step 2. Identify what you are looking for.	the surface area of the solid
Step 3. Name. Choose a variable to represent it.	Let $S$ = surface area
Step 4. Translate. Write the appropriate formula. Substitute.	$S = 2 L H + 2 L W + 2 W H$ $S = 2 (14 \cdot 17) + 2 (14 \cdot 9) + 2 (9 \cdot 17)$
Step 5. Solve the equation.	$S = 1,034$
Step 6. Check: Double-check with a calculator.
Step 7. Answer the question.	The surface area is 1,034 square centimeters.

A rectangular crate has a length of $30$ inches, width of $25$ inches, and height of $20$ inches. Find its ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

Solution

Step 1 is the same for both ⓐ and ⓑ , so we will show it just once.

Step 1. Read the problem. Draw the figure and
label it with the given information.

A cuboid with dimensions 30 (length), 25 (width), and 20 (height) units. The front and top faces are visible, with dashed lines indicating hidden edges. It illustrates a basic 3D geometric shape with measurements.

Outlines a step-by-step method for solving problems, specifically demonstrating the calculation of a crate's volume from identification to the final solution.
ⓐ
Step 2. Identify what you are looking for.	the volume of the crate
Step 3. Name. Choose a variable to represent it.	let $V$ = volume
Step 4. Translate. Write the appropriate formula. Substitute.	$V = L W H$ $V = 30 \cdot 25 \cdot 20$
Step 5. Solve the equation.	$V = 15,000$
Step 6. Check: Double check your math.
Step 7. Answer the question.	The volume is 15,000 cubic inches.

Step-by-step guide to solving a problem, exemplified by calculating the surface area of a crate.
ⓑ
Step 2. Identify what you are looking for.	the surface area of the crate
Step 3. Name. Choose a variable to represent it.	let $S$ = surface area
Step 4. Translate. Write the appropriate formula. Substitute.	$S = 2 L H + 2 L W + 2 W H$ $S = 2 (30 \cdot 20) + 2 (30 \cdot 25) + 2 (25 \cdot 20)$
Step 5. Solve the equation.	$S = 3,700$
Step 6. Check: Check it yourself!
Step 7. Answer the question.	The surface area is 3,700 square inches.

Volume and Surface Area of a Cube

A cube is a rectangular solid whose length, width, and height are equal. See Volume and Surface Area of a Cube, below. Substituting, s for the length, width and height into the formulas for volume and surface area of a rectangular solid, we get:

\begin{matrix} V = L W H & S = 2 L H + 2 L W + 2 W H \\ V = s \cdot s \cdot s & S = 2 s \cdot s + 2 s \cdot s + 2 s \cdot s \\ V = s^{3} & S = 2 s^{2} + 2 s^{2} + 2 s^{2} \\ S = 6 s^{2} \end{matrix}

So for a cube, the formulas for volume and surface area are $V = s^{3}$ and $S = 6 s^{2} .$

A cube is $2.5$ inches on each side. Find its ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

Solution

Step 1 is the same for both ⓐ and ⓑ , so we will show it just once.

Step 1. Read the problem. Draw the figure and
label it with the given information.

A simple line drawing of a cube, with each visible side dimension labeled as 2.5, indicating equal length, width, and height. The cube is rendered in an isometric projection.

Demonstrates a seven-step problem-solving method, including identifying, naming variables, translating to a formula, solving, checking, and answering, using a cube's volume as an example.
ⓐ
Step 2. Identify what you are looking for.	the volume of the cube
Step 3. Name. Choose a variable to represent it.	let V = volume
Step 4. Translate. Write the appropriate formula.	$V = s^{3}$
Step 5. Solve. Substitute and solve.	$V = {(2.5)}^{3}$ $V = 15.625$
Step 6. Check: Check your work.
Step 7. Answer the question.	The volume is 15.625 cubic inches.

Outlines a multi-step problem-solving method, demonstrated by calculating the surface area of a cube, including identifying, naming, translating, solving, and answering.
ⓑ
Step 2. Identify what you are looking for.	the surface area of the cube
Step 3. Name. Choose a variable to represent it.	let S = surface area
Step 4. Translate. Write the appropriate formula.	$S = 6 s^{2}$
Step 5. Solve. Substitute and solve.	$S = 6 \cdot {(2.5)}^{2}$ $S = 37.5$
Step 6. Check: The check is left to you.
Step 7. Answer the question.	The surface area is 37.5 square inches.

A notepad cube measures $2$ inches on each side. Find its ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

Solution

Step 1. Read the problem. Draw the figure and
label it with the given information.

A wireframe drawing of a cube, indicating its dimensions are 2 units on each side. The three visible edges are labeled with the number '2', denoting its length, width, and height.

This table outlines the sequential steps for solving a mathematical problem, specifically demonstrating how to find the volume of a cube.
ⓐ
Step 2. Identify what you are looking for.	the volume of the cube
Step 3. Name. Choose a variable to represent it.	let V = volume
Step 4. Translate. Write the appropriate formula.	$V = s^{3}$
Step 5. Solve the equation.	$V = 2^{3}$ $V = 8$
Step 6. Check: Check that you did the calculations correctly.
Step 7. Answer the question.	The volume is 8 cubic inches.

A demonstration of problem-solving steps applied to calculate the surface area of a cube.
ⓑ
Step 2. Identify what you are looking for.	the surface area of the cube
Step 3. Name. Choose a variable to represent it.	let S = surface area
Step 4. Translate. Write the appropriate formula.	$S = 6 s^{2}$
Step 5. Solve the equation.	$S = 6 \cdot 2^{2}$ $S = 24$
Step 6. Check: The check is left to you.
Step 7. Answer the question.	The surface area is 24 square inches.

Find the Volume and Surface Area of Spheres

A sphere is the shape of a basketball, like a three-dimensional circle. Just like a circle, the size of a sphere is determined by its radius, which is the distance from the center of the sphere to any point on its surface. The formulas for the volume and surface area of a sphere are given below.

Showing where these formulas come from, like we did for a rectangular solid, is beyond the scope of this course. We will approximate $π$ with $3.14 .$

A sphere has a radius $6$ inches. Find its ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

Solution

Step 1 is the same for both ⓐ and ⓑ , so we will show it just once.

Step 1. Read the problem. Draw the figure and label
it with the given information.

A 3D illustration of a sphere, indicating a radius of 6 from its center to the perimeter. A dashed line represents the hidden part of the equatorial plane.

Step-by-step method for calculating the volume of a sphere.
ⓐ
Step 2. Identify what you are looking for.	the volume of the sphere
Step 3. Name. Choose a variable to represent it.	let V = volume
Step 4. Translate. Write the appropriate formula.	$V = \frac{4}{3} π r^{3}$
Step 5. Solve.	$V \approx \frac{4}{3} (3.14) 6^{3}$ $V \approx 904.32 cubic inches$
Step 6. Check: Double-check your math on a calculator.
Step 7. Answer the question.	The volume is approximately 904.32 cubic inches.

This table outlines the steps for solving a problem, specifically demonstrating how to calculate the surface area of a sphere with corresponding actions and results.
ⓑ
Step 2. Identify what you are looking for.	the surface area of the sphere
Step 3. Name. Choose a variable to represent it.	let S = surface area
Step 4. Translate. Write the appropriate formula.	$S = 4 π r^{2}$
Step 5. Solve.	$S \approx 4 (3.14) 6^{2}$ $S \approx 452.16$
Step 6. Check: Double-check your math on a calculator
Step 7. Answer the question.	The surface area is approximately 452.16 square inches.

A globe of Earth is in the shape of a sphere with radius $14$ inches. Find its ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area. Round the answer to the nearest hundredth.

Solution

Step 1. Read the problem. Draw a figure with the
given information and label it.

A stylized globe showing North and South America, Europe, and Africa. A dashed line represents the equator, and a horizontal line segment with the number '14' indicates a measurement from the center.

This table illustrates a seven-step problem-solving process, from identifying the unknown to providing the final answer, exemplified by calculating the volume of a sphere.
ⓐ
Step 2. Identify what you are looking for.	the volume of the sphere
Step 3. Name. Choose a variable to represent it.	let V = volume
Step 4. Translate. Write the appropriate formula. Substitute. (Use 3.14 for $π$ )	$V = \frac{4}{3} π r^{3}$ $V \approx \frac{4}{3} (3.14) 14^{3}$
Step 5. Solve.	$V \approx 11,488.21$
Step 6. Check: We leave it to you to check your calculations.
Step 7. Answer the question.	The volume is approximately 11,488.21 cubic inches.

A step-by-step guide demonstrating the calculation of the surface area of a sphere using a structured problem-solving approach.
ⓑ
Step 2. Identify what you are looking for.	the surface area of the sphere
Step 3. Name. Choose a variable to represent it.	let S = surface area
Step 4. Translate. Write the appropriate formula. Substitute. (Use 3.14 for $π$ )	$S = 4 π r^{2}$ $S \approx 4 (3.14) 14^{2}$
Step 5. Solve.	$S \approx 2461.76$
Step 6. Check: We leave it to you to check your calculations.
Step 7. Answer the question.	The surface area is approximately 2461.76 square inches.

Find the Volume and Surface Area of a Cylinder

If you have ever seen a can of soda, you know what a cylinder looks like. A cylinder is a solid figure with two parallel circles of the same size at the top and bottom. The top and bottom of a cylinder are called the bases. The height $h$ of a cylinder is the distance between the two bases. For all the cylinders we will work with here, the sides and the height, $h$ , will be perpendicular to the bases.

An image of a cylinder is shown. There is a red arrow pointing to the radius of the top labeling it r, radius. There is a red arrow pointing to the height of the cylinder labeling it h, height. — A cylinder has two circular bases of equal size. The height is the distance between the bases.

Rectangular solids and cylinders are somewhat similar because they both have two bases and a height. The formula for the volume of a rectangular solid, $V = B h$ , can also be used to find the volume of a cylinder.

For the rectangular solid, the area of the base, $B$ , is the area of the rectangular base, length × width. For a cylinder, the area of the base, $B,$ is the area of its circular base, $π r^{2} .$ Figure 6 compares how the formula $V = B h$ is used for rectangular solids and cylinders.

In (a), a rectangular solid is shown. The sides are labeled L, W, and H. Below this is V equals capital Bh, then V equals Base times h, then V equals parentheses lw times h, then V equals lwh. In (b), a cylinder is shown. The radius of the top is labeled r, the height is labeled h. Below this is V equals capital Bh, then V equals Base times h, then V equals parentheses pi r squared times h, then V equals pi times r squared times h. — Seeing how a cylinder is similar to a rectangular solid may make it easier to understand the formula for the volume of a cylinder.

To understand the formula for the surface area of a cylinder, think of a can of vegetables. It has three surfaces: the top, the bottom, and the piece that forms the sides of the can. If you carefully cut the label off the side of the can and unroll it, you will see that it is a rectangle. See Figure 7.

A cylindrical can of green beans is shown. The height is labeled h. Beside this are pictures of circles for the top and bottom of the can and a rectangle for the other portion of the can. Above the circles is C equals 2 times pi times r. The top of the rectangle says l equals 2 times pi times r. The left side of the rectangle is labeled h, the right side is labeled w. — By cutting and unrolling the label of a can of vegetables, we can see that the surface of a cylinder is a rectangle. The length of the rectangle is the circumference of the cylinder’s base, and the width is the height of the cylinder.

The distance around the edge of the can is the circumference of the cylinder’s base it is also the length $L$ of the rectangular label. The height of the cylinder is the width $W$ of the rectangular label. So the area of the label can be represented as

The top line says A equals l times red w. Below the l is 2 times pi times r. Below the w is a red h.

To find the total surface area of the cylinder, we add the areas of the two circles to the area of the rectangle.

A rectangle is shown with circles coming off the top and bottom.

The surface area of a cylinder with radius $r$ and height $h,$ is

S = 2 π r^{2} + 2 π r h

A cylinder has height $5$ inches and radius $3$ inches. Find the ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

Solution

Step 1. Read the problem. Draw the figure and label
it with the given information.

A simple black and white line drawing of a cylinder with its dimensions labeled: a radius of 3 units and a height of 5 units.

Steps for calculating the volume of a cylinder, detailing each problem-solving action and its mathematical result.
ⓐ
Step 2. Identify what you are looking for.	the volume of the cylinder
Step 3. Name. Choose a variable to represent it.	let V = volume
Step 4. Translate. Write the appropriate formula. Substitute. (Use 3.14 for $π$ )	$V = π r^{2} h$ $V \approx (3.14) 3^{2} \cdot 5$
Step 5. Solve.	$V \approx 141.3$
Step 6. Check: We leave it to you to check your calculations.
Step 7. Answer the question.	The volume is approximately 141.3 cubic inches.

Illustrates the step-by-step calculation of a cylinder's surface area, detailing problem-solving phases like identification, translation, and solution.
ⓑ
Step 2. Identify what you are looking for.	the surface area of the cylinder
Step 3. Name. Choose a variable to represent it.	let S = surface area
Step 4. Translate. Write the appropriate formula. Substitute. (Use 3.14 for $π$ )	$S = 2 π r^{2} + 2 π r h$ $S \approx 2 (3.14) 3^{2} + 2 (3.14) (3) 5$
Step 5. Solve.	$S \approx 150.72$
Step 6. Check: We leave it to you to check your calculations.
Step 7. Answer the question.	The surface area is approximately 150.72 square inches.

Find the ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area of a can of soda. The radius of the base is $4$ centimeters and the height is $13$ centimeters. Assume the can is shaped exactly like a cylinder.

Solution

Step 1. Read the problem. Draw the figure and
label it with the given information.

An illustration of a soda can with a blue and pink abstract design. The can's height is labeled as 13 and its diameter as 4, indicating its geometric dimensions.

This table outlines the systematic steps for calculating the volume of a cylinder, from identifying the unknown to providing the final answer.
ⓐ
Step 2. Identify what you are looking for.	the volume of the cylinder
Step 3. Name. Choose a variable to represent it.	let V = volume
Step 4. Translate. Write the appropriate formula. Substitute. (Use 3.14 for $π$ )	$V = π r^{2} h$ $V \approx (3.14) 4^{2} \cdot 13$
Step 5. Solve.	$V \approx 653.12$
Step 6. Check: We leave it to you to check.
Step 7. Answer the question.	The volume is approximately 653.12 cubic centimeters.

This table outlines the systematic steps for calculating the surface area of a cylinder, from problem identification to the final solution.
ⓑ
Step 2. Identify what you are looking for.	the surface area of the cylinder
Step 3. Name. Choose a variable to represent it.	let S = surface area
Step 4. Translate. Write the appropriate formula. Substitute. (Use 3.14 for $π$ )	$S = 2 π r^{2} + 2 π r h$ $S \approx 2 (3.14) 4^{2} + 2 (3.14) (4) 13$
Step 5. Solve.	$S \approx 427.04$
Step 6. Check: We leave it to you to check your calculations.
Step 7. Answer the question.	The surface area is approximately 427.04 square centimeters.

Find the Volume of Cones

The first image that many of us have when we hear the word ‘cone’ is an ice cream cone. There are many other applications of cones (but most are not as tasty as ice cream cones). In this section, we will see how to find the volume of a cone.

In geometry, a cone is a solid figure with one circular base and a vertex. The height of a cone is the distance between its base and the vertex.The cones that we will look at in this section will always have the height perpendicular to the base. See Figure 8.

An image of a cone is shown. The top is labeled vertex. The height is labeled h. The radius of the base is labeled r. — The height of a cone is the distance between its base and the vertex.

Earlier in this section, we saw that the volume of a cylinder is $V = π r^{2} h .$ We can think of a cone as part of a cylinder. Figure 9 shows a cone placed inside a cylinder with the same height and same base. If we compare the volume of the cone and the cylinder, we can see that the volume of the cone is less than that of the cylinder.

An image of a cone is shown. There is a cylinder drawn around it. — The volume of a cone is less than the volume of a cylinder with the same base and height.

In fact, the volume of a cone is exactly one-third of the volume of a cylinder with the same base and height. The volume of a cone is

The formula V equals one-third times capital B times h is shown.

Since the base of a cone is a circle, we can substitute the formula of area of a circle, $π r^{2}$ , for $B$ to get the formula for volume of a cone.

The formula V equals one-third times pi times r squared times h is shown.

In this book, we will only find the volume of a cone, and not its surface area.

Find the volume of a cone with height $6$ inches and radius of its base $2$ inches.

Solution

Step 1. Read the problem. Draw the figure and label it with the given information.
Step 2. Identify what you are looking for.	the volume of the cone
Step 3. Name. Choose a variable to represent it.	let V = volume
Step 4. Translate. Write the appropriate formula. Substitute. (Use 3.14 for $π$ )	$V = \frac{1}{3} π r^{2} h$ $V \approx \frac{1}{3} 3.14 {(2)}^{2} (6)$
Step 5. Solve.	$V \approx 25.12$
Step 6. Check: We leave it to you to check your calculations.
Step 7. Answer the question.	The volume is approximately 25.12 cubic inches.

Marty’s favorite gastro pub serves french fries in a paper wrap shaped like a cone. What is the volume of a conic wrap that is $8$ inches tall and $5$ inches in diameter? Round the answer to the nearest hundredth.

Solution

Step 1. Read the problem. Draw the figure and label it with the given information. Notice here that the base is the circle at the top of the cone.
Step 2. Identify what you are looking for.	the volume of the cone
Step 3. Name. Choose a variable to represent it.	let V = volume
Step 4. Translate. Write the appropriate formula. Substitute. (Use 3.14 for $π$ , and notice that we were given the distance across the circle, which is its diameter. The radius is 2.5 inches.)	$V = \frac{1}{3} π r^{2} h$ $V \approx \frac{1}{3} 3.14 {(2.5)}^{2} (8)$
Step 5. Solve.	$V \approx 52.33$
Step 6. Check: We leave it to you to check your calculations.
Step 7. Answer the question.	The volume of the wrap is approximately 52.33 cubic inches.

Summary of Geometry Formulas

The following charts summarize all of the formulas covered in this chapter.

A table is shown that summarizes all of the formulas in the chapter. The first cell is for Supplementary and Complementary Angles, and says that the measure of angle A plus the measure of angle B equals 180 degrees for supplementary angles A and B and the measure of angle C plus the measure of angle D equals 90 degrees for complementary angles C and D. There is an image of two angles A and B that together form a straight line and two angles C and D that together form a right angle. The next cell says Rectangular Solid and shows the formulas Volume equals LWH and Surface Area equals 2LH plus 2LW plus 2WH. An image of a rectangular solid with sides L, W, and H is shown. The next cell says Triangle. An image of a triangle is shown with sides a, b, and c, vertices A, B, and C, and height h. It says, “For triangle ABC, angle measures measure of angle A plus measure of angle B plus measure of angle C equal 180 degrees. Below this is Perimeter, P equals a plus b plus c. Below this is Area, A equals one-half bh. The next cell says Cube and shows an image of a cube with sides s. It says Volume V equals s cubed and Surface Area S equals 6 times s squared. The next cell says Similar Triangles. It shows two similar triangles ABC and XYZ. It says if triangle ABC is similar to triangle XYZ, then measure of angle A equals measure of angle X, measure of angle B equals measure of angle Y, and measure of angle C equals measure of angle Z. It then says a over x equals b over y equal c over z. The next cell says Sphere and shows an image of a sphere with radius r. It says volume V equals four-thirds times pi times r and Surface Area S equals 4 times pi times r squared. The next cell says Circle. There is an image with two radii labeled r and the diameter labeled d. It says Circumference C equals 2 pi times r and C equals pi times d. It says Area equals pi times r squared. The next cell says Cylinder and shows an image of a cylinder with height h and radius of the base r. It says Volume V equals pi times r squared times h. Below this is V equals Bh. Below that is Surface Area S equals 2 times pi times r squared plus 2 times pi times rh. The next cell says Rectangle and shows an image of a rectangle with sides W and L. It says Perimeter P equals 2L plus 2W, then Area A equals LW. The next cell says Cone and shows an image of a cone with height h and radius of the base r. It says Volume V equals one-third times pi times r squared times h. The last cell says Trapezoid and shows an image of a trapezoid with bases little b and capital B, and height h. It says Area A equals one-half times h times parentheses little b plus capital B.

This image shows a row with three columns. The first column says Rectangular solid with the formula below that says volume: V equals LWH. Under this, it says Surface Area: S equals 2LH plus 2LW plus 2WH. An image shows an image of a rectangular solid with the sides labeled L , W and H. The middle column says Rectangle. Under this it says Perimeter P equals 2L plus 2W, then Area A equals LW. An image of a rectangle with sides W and L. The right column says Cube. Under this it says “Volume: V equals s to the third power.” Under this is says “Surface area: S equals 6 times s squared. Below it is an image of a cube with three sides labeled “s”.

Key Concepts

Volume and Surface Area of a Rectangular Solid
- $V = L W H$
- $S = 2 L H + 2 L W + 2 W H$
Volume and Surface Area of a Cube
- $V = s^{3}$
- $S = 6 s^{2}$
Volume and Surface Area of a Sphere
- $V = \frac{4}{3} π r^{3}$
- $S = 4 π r^{2}$
Volume and Surface Area of a Cylinder
- $V = π r^{2} h$
- $S = 2 π r^{2} + 2 π r h$
Volume of a Cone
- For a cone with radius $r$ and height $h$ :
  Volume: $V = \frac{1}{3} π r^{2} h$

Practice Makes Perfect

Find Volume and Surface Area of Rectangular Solids

In the following exercises, find ⓐ the volume and ⓑ the surface area of the rectangular solid with the given dimensions.

length $2$ meters, width $1.5$ meters, height $3$ meters

Solution

ⓐ 9 cu. m
ⓑ 27 sq. m

length $5$ feet, width $8$ feet, height $2.5$ feet

length $3.5$ yards, width $2.1$ yards, height $2.4$ yards

Solution

ⓐ 17.64 cu. yd.
ⓑ 41.58 sq. yd.

length $8.8$ centimeters, width $6.5$ centimeters, height $4.2$ centimeters

In the following exercises, solve.

Moving van A rectangular moving van has length $16$ feet, width $8$ feet, and height $8$ feet. Find its ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

Solution

ⓐ 1,024 cu. ft
ⓑ 640 sq. ft

Gift box A rectangular gift box has length $26$ inches, width $16$ inches, and height $4$ inches. Find its ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

Carton A rectangular carton has length $21.3$ cm, width $24.2$ cm, and height $6.5$ cm. Find its ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

Solution

ⓐ 3,350.49 cu. cm
ⓑ 1,622.42 sq. cm

Shipping container A rectangular shipping container has length $22.8$ feet, width $8.5$ feet, and height $8.2$ feet. Find its ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

In the following exercises, find ⓐ the volume and ⓑ the surface area of the cube with the given side length.

$5$ centimeters

Solution

ⓐ 125 cu. cm
ⓑ 150 sq. cm

$6$ inches

$10.4$ feet

Solution

ⓐ 1124.864 cu. ft.
ⓑ 648.96 sq. ft

$12.5$ meters

In the following exercises, solve.

Science center Each side of the cube at the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana is $64$ feet long. Find its ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

Solution

ⓐ 262,144 cu. ft
ⓑ 24,576 sq. ft

Museum A cube-shaped museum has sides $45$ meters long. Find its ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

Base of statue The base of a statue is a cube with sides $2.8$ meters long. Find its ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

Solution

ⓐ 21.952 cu. m
ⓑ 47.04 sq. m

Tissue box A box of tissues is a cube with sides 4.5 inches long. Find its ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

Find the Volume and Surface Area of Spheres

In the following exercises, find ⓐ the volume and ⓑ the surface area of the sphere with the given radius. Round answers to the nearest hundredth.

$3$ centimeters

Solution

ⓐ 113.04 cu. cm
ⓑ 113.04 sq. cm

$9$ inches

$7.5$ feet

Solution

ⓐ 1,766.25 cu. ft
ⓑ 706.5 sq. ft

$2.1$ yards

In the following exercises, solve. Round answers to the nearest hundredth.

Exercise ball An exercise ball has a radius of $15$ inches. Find its ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

Solution

ⓐ 14,130 cu. in.
ⓑ 2,826 sq. in.

Balloon ride The Great Park Balloon is a big orange sphere with a radius of $36$ feet . Find its ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

Golf ball A golf ball has a radius of $4.5$ centimeters. Find its ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

Solution

ⓐ 381.51 cu. cm
ⓑ 254.34 sq. cm

Baseball A baseball has a radius of $2.9$ inches. Find its ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

Find the Volume and Surface Area of a Cylinder

In the following exercises, find ⓐ the volume and ⓑ the surface area of the cylinder with the given radius and height. Round answers to the nearest hundredth.

radius $3$ feet, height $9$ feet

Solution

ⓐ 254.34 cu. ft
ⓑ 226.08 sq. ft

radius $5$ centimeters, height $15$ centimeters

radius $1.5$ meters, height $4.2$ meters

Solution

ⓐ 29.673 cu. m
ⓑ 53.694 sq. m

radius $1.3$ yards, height $2.8$ yards

In the following exercises, solve. Round answers to the nearest hundredth.

Coffee can A can of coffee has a radius of $5$ cm and a height of $13$ cm. Find its ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

Solution

ⓐ 1,020.5 cu. cm
ⓑ 565.2 sq. cm

Snack pack A snack pack of cookies is shaped like a cylinder with radius $4$ cm and height $3$ cm. Find its ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

Barber shop pole A cylindrical barber shop pole has a diameter of $6$ inches and height of $24$ inches. Find its ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

Solution

ⓐ 678.24 cu. in.
ⓑ 508.68 sq. in.

Architecture A cylindrical column has a diameter of $8$ feet and a height of $28$ feet. Find its ⓐ volume and ⓑ surface area.

Find the Volume of Cones

In the following exercises, find the volume of the cone with the given dimensions. Round answers to the nearest hundredth.

height $9$ feet and radius $2$ feet

Solution

37.68 cu. ft

height $8$ inches and radius $6$ inches

height $12.4$ centimeters and radius $5$ cm

Solution

324.47 cu. cm

height $15.2$ meters and radius $4$ meters

In the following exercises, solve. Round answers to the nearest hundredth.

Teepee What is the volume of a cone-shaped teepee tent that is $10$ feet tall and $10$ feet across at the base?

Solution

261.67 cu. ft

Popcorn cup What is the volume of a cone-shaped popcorn cup that is $8$ inches tall and $6$ inches across at the base?

Silo What is the volume of a cone-shaped silo that is $50$ feet tall and $70$ feet across at the base?

Solution

64,108.33 cu. ft

Sand pile What is the volume of a cone-shaped pile of sand that is $12$ meters tall and $30$ meters across at the base?

Everyday Math

Street light post The post of a street light is shaped like a truncated cone, as shown in the picture below. It is a large cone minus a smaller top cone. The large cone is $30$ feet tall with base radius $1$ foot. The smaller cone is $10$ feet tall with base radius of $0.5$ feet. To the nearest tenth,

ⓐ find the volume of the large cone.
ⓑ find the volume of the small cone.

Solution

ⓐ 31.4 cu. ft
ⓑ 2.6 cu. ft
ⓒ 28.8 cu. ft

Ice cream cones A regular ice cream cone is 4 inches tall and has a diameter of $2.5$ inches. A waffle cone is $7$ inches tall and has a diameter of $3.25$ inches. To the nearest hundredth,

ⓐ find the volume of the regular ice cream cone.
ⓑ find the volume of the waffle cone.

Writing Exercises

The formulas for the volume of a cylinder and a cone are similar. Explain how you can remember which formula goes with which shape.

Solution

Answers will vary.

Which has a larger volume, a cube of sides of $8$ feet or a sphere with a diameter of $8$ feet? Explain your reasoning.

Self Check

ⓐ After completing the exercises, use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.

A self-assessment table for students to rate their understanding of finding volume and surface area for rectangular solids, spheres, cylinders, and volume of cones. The options are Confidently, With some help, and No-I don't get it!

ⓑ After reviewing this checklist, what will you do to become confident for all objectives?

Solve Geometry Applications: Volume and Surface Area

Problem Solving Strategy for Geometry Applications

Find Volume and Surface Area of Rectangular Solids

Solution

Solution

Volume and Surface Area of a Cube

Solution

Solution

Find the Volume and Surface Area of Spheres

Solution

Solution

Find the Volume and Surface Area of a Cylinder

Solution

Solution

Find the Volume of Cones

Solution

Solution

Summary of Geometry Formulas

Key Concepts

Practice Makes Perfect

Everyday Math

Writing Exercises

Self Check