Unit 4: Length, Area

and Volume
GCSE Higher Tier 1

I can solve complex problems

involving the volume of prisms.
I can calculate the volume of a
prism.
I can recognise the formulae for
the volume of prisms.

4.4 Volume of a Prism

Keywords:
Area
Cross-section
Prism

Find the arc length and area of each of these sectors:

A prism is a 3D shape which has the same cross-section

running all the way through it.

Name:

Cuboid

Crosssection:

Square

Triangular
Prism
Triangle

Cylinder
Circle

Hexagonal
Prism
Hexagon

The volume of a prism is found by multiplying the area of its crosssection by the length of the prism (or height if the prism is stood on
end).
That is, volume of prism = area of cross-section x length, or .

Try this one

Find the volume of the triangular prism.

The area of the triangular crosssection =

The volume is the area of its crosssection x length =

7cm
9cm

= 17.5 x 9 = 157.5cm
5cm

4.5m

In 2009, the sculptor Anish Kapoor exhibited a work

called Svayambh at the Royal Academy in London.
It was a block of red wax in the shape of a prism.
The cross-section was in the shape of an arched
entrance.
It was 8m long and weighed 30 tonnes. It slowly
travelled through the galleries on a track.

2.3m

Calculate the volume of wax used.

70cm

1.7m

A horse trough is in the shape of a semi-circular prism as

shown. What volume of water will the trough hold when it
is filled to the top? Give your answer in litres.