CHAPTER 13

Measurements

13.1 Area of a polygon 416

13.2 Right prisms and cylinders 420
13.3 Right pyramids, right cones and spheres 432
13.4 The effect of multiplying a dimension by a factor of k 451
13.5 Chapter summary 456
 13 Measurements

Knowing how to calculate the surface area and volume

of an object can be useful in many contexts, particularly
when we need to know how much a task is going to cost
or how much material is needed to create an object.
Some examples of this are calculating the surface area of
a container, to help us work out the cost of the material,
or calculating the volume of a dam, so we know how
much water the dam can hold.
This chapter examines the surface areas and volumes of
three dimensional objects, otherwise known as solids.
In order to work with these objects, you need to know Figure 13.1: A tennis court. The position of each of the lines
how to calculate the surface area and perimeter of two is carefully calculated to ensure that the area of the rectangles
dimensional shapes. is the same anywhere in the world.
VISIT:
To revise how to calculate the area and perimeter of squares and rectangles you can watch the video below.
See video: 2GRM at www.everythingmaths.co.za

13.1 Area of a polygon EMA7K

DEFINITION: Area

Area is the two dimensional space inside the boundary of a flat object. It is measured in square units.

Name Shape Formula

Square s area (A) = s2

Rectangle b area (A) = b × h

Triangle b area (A) = 12 b × h

a

Trapezium b area (A) = 1

(a + b) × h
2

Parallelogram b area (A) = b × h

Circle area (A) = πr2 (circumference = 2πr)

416 13.1. Area of a polygon

DID YOU KNOW?
The acre and the hectare are two common measurements used for the area of land. One hectare is about 0,01
square kilometres and one acre is about 0,004 square kilometres.

VISIT:
The video below shows some examples of calculations involving the area of a circle.
See video: 2GRN at www.everythingmaths.co.za

Worked example 1: Finding the area of a polygon

QUESTION

Find the area of the following parallelogram:

B C

5 mm

A 3 mm E 4 mm D

SOLUTION

Step 1: Find the height BE

AB 2 = BE 2 + AE 2 Pythagoras
∴ BE = AB − AE
2 2 2

= 52 − 32
= 16
∴ BE = 4 mm

Step 2: Find the area using the formula for a parallelogram

area = b × h
= AD × BE
=7×4
= 28 mm2

VISIT:
The following Phet simulation allows you to build different shapes and calculate the area and perimeter for the
shapes: Phet: area builder.

Chapter 13. Measurements 417

Exercise 13 – 1:

1. Find the area of each of the polygons below:

a)

5 cm

10 cm

b)

5 cm

10 cm

c)

10 cm

d)
7 cm 3 cm

5 cm

e)

10 cm

12 cm 8 cm

f)

6 cm

5 cm

g)

10cm

418 13.1. Area of a polygon

 h)
16 cm

15 cm

9 cm 21 cm

2. a) Find an expression for the area of this figure in terms of z and π. The circle has a radius of −3z − 2.
Write your answer in expanded form (not factorised).

−3z − 2

b) Find an expression for the area of this figure in terms of z and h. The height of the figure is h, and
two sides are labelled as −3z − 2 and −z. Write your answer in expanded form (not factorised).
−3z − 2

−z

3. a) Find an expression for the area of this figure in terms of x and π. The circle has a radius of x + 4.
Write your answer in expanded form (not factorised).

x+4

b) Find an expression for the area of this figure in terms of x and h. The height of the figure is h, and
two sides are labelled as x + 4 and −3x. Write your answer in expanded form (not factorised).

x+4

−3x

For more exercises, visit www.everythingmaths.co.za and click on ’Practise Maths’.

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Chapter 13. Measurements 419

13.2 Right prisms and cylinders EMA7M

DEFINITION: Right prism

A right prism is a geometric solid that has a polygon as its base and vertical faces perpendicular to the base.
The base and top surface are the same shape and size. It is called a “right” prism because the angles between
the base and faces are right angles.

A triangular prism has a triangle as its base, a rectangular prism has a rectangle as its base, and a cube is a
rectangular prism with all its sides of equal length. A cylinder has a circle as its base. Examples of right prisms
and a cylinder are given below: a rectangular prism, a cube and a triangular prism.

Surface area of prisms and cylinders EMA7N

DEFINITION: Surface area

Surface area is the total area of the exposed or outer surfaces of a prism.

This is easier to understand if we imagine the prism to be a cardboard box that we can unfold. A solid that is
unfolded like this is called a net. When a prism is unfolded into a net, we can clearly see each of its faces. In
order to calculate the surface area of the prism, we can then simply calculate the area of each face, and add
them all together.

For example, when a triangular prism is unfolded into a net, we can see that it has two faces that are triangles
and three faces that are rectangles. To calculate the surface area of the prism, we find the area of each triangle
and each rectangle, and add them together.

In the case of a cylinder the top and bottom faces are circles and the curved surface flattens into a rectangle
with a length that is equal to the circumference of the circular base. To calculate the surface area we therefore
find the area of the two circles and the rectangle and add them together.

420 13.2. Right prisms and cylinders

Below are examples of right prisms and a cylinder that have been unfolded into nets:
Rectangular prism

A rectangular prism unfolded into a net is made up of six rectangles.

Cube

A cube unfolded into a net is made up of six identical squares.

Triangular prism

A triangular prism unfolded into a net is made up of two triangles and three rectangles. The sum of the lengths
of the rectangles is equal to the perimeter of the triangles.

Cylinder

A cylinder unfolded into a net is made up of two identical circles and a rectangle with a length equal to the
circumference of the circles.

Chapter 13. Measurements 421

VISIT:
This video explains how we can unfold solids into nets.
See video: 2GS2 at www.everythingmaths.co.za

Worked example 2: Finding the surface area of a rectangular prism

QUESTION

Find the surface area of the following rectangular prism:

2 cm
5 cm 10 cm

SOLUTION

Step 1: Sketch and label the net of the prism

5 cm

2 cm 2 cm 5 cm

10 cm

Step 2: Find the areas of the different shapes in the net

large rectangle = perimeter of small rectangle × length

= (2 + 5 + 2 + 5) × 10
= 14 × 10
= 140 cm2

2 × small rectangle = 2 (5 × 2)
= 2 (10)
= 20 cm2

Step 3: Find the sum of the areas of the faces

large rectangle + 2 × small rectangle = 140 + 20 = 160

Step 4: Write the final answer

The surface area of the rectangular prism is 160 cm2 .

422 13.2. Right prisms and cylinders

Worked example 3: Finding the surface area of a triangular prism

QUESTION

Find the surface area of the following triangular prism:

12 cm
3 cm

8 cm

SOLUTION

Step 1: Sketch and label the net of the prism

3 cm
8 cm

8 cm

Step 2: Find the area of the different shapes in the net

To find the area of the rectangle, we need to calculate its length, which is equal to the perimeter of the triangles.

To find the perimeter of the triangle, we have to first find the length of its sides using the theorem of Pythagoras:

x
3 cm
8 cm

Chapter 13. Measurements 423

 ( )2
8
x2 = 32 +
2
x2 = 32 + 42
= 25
∴ x = 5 cm
∴ perimeter of triangle = 5 + 5 + 8
= 18 cm

∴ area of large rectangle = perimeter of triangle × length

= 18 × 12
= 216 cm2

1
area of triangle = b×h
2
1
= ×8×3
2
= 12 cm2

Step 3: Find the sum of the areas of the faces

surface area = area large rectangle + (2 × area of triangle)

= 216 + 2 (12)
= 240 cm2

Step 4: Write the final answer

The surface area of the triangular prism is 240 cm2 .

Worked example 4: Finding the surface area of a cylinder

QUESTION

Find the surface area of the following cylinder (correct to 1 decimal place):

10 cm

30 cm

424 13.2. Right prisms and cylinders

SOLUTION

Step 1: Sketch and label the net of the cylinder

10 cm

30 cm

Step 2: Find the area of the different shapes in the net

area of large rectangle = circumference of circle × length

= 2πr × l
= 2π (10) × 30
= 1884,9555... cm2
area of circle = πr2
2
= π(10)
= 314,1592... cm2

surface area = area large rectangle + (2 × area of circle)

= 1884,9555... + 2 (314,1592...)
= 2513,3 cm2

Step 3: Write the final answer

The surface area of the cylinder is 2513,3 cm2 .

Exercise 13 – 2:

1. Calculate the surface area of the following prisms:

a)

10 cm

6 cm 7 cm

Chapter 13. Measurements 425

 b)

√
32
7

11

c)

5 cm

2 cm

d)

10 cm

5 cm

e)

11
5

426 13.2. Right prisms and cylinders

 f)

5 cm
20 cm
10 cm

2. If a litre of paint covers an area of 2 m2 , how much paint does a painter need to cover:
a) a rectangular swimming pool with dimensions 4 m × 3 m × 2,5 m (the inside walls and floor only);
b) the inside walls and floor of a circular reservoir with diameter 4 m and height 2,5 m.

2,5 m
4m

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Volume of prisms and cylinders EMA7P

DEFINITION: Volume

Volume is the three dimensional space occupied by an object, or the contents of an object. It is measured in
cubic units.

The volume of right prisms and cylinders is simply calculated by multiplying the area of the base of the solid
by the height of the solid.

VISIT:
The video below shows several examples of calculating the volume of a right prism.
See video: 2GSB at www.everythingmaths.co.za

Chapter 13. Measurements 427

 h
l
Volume = area of base × height
Rectangular prism b = area of rectangle × height
=l×b×h

h
H Volume = area of base × height
Triangular prism b = area of triangle × height
( )
= 12 b × h × H

r
Volume = area of base × height
Cylinder = area of circle × height
= πr2 × h

Worked example 5: Finding the volume of a cube

QUESTION

Find the volume of the following cube:

| |
| |

3 cm
|

|
|

| |

SOLUTION

Step 1: Find the area of the base

area of square = s2
= 32
= 9 cm2

428 13.2. Right prisms and cylinders

Step 2: Multiply the area of the base by the height of the solid to find the volume

volume = area of base × height

=9×3
= 27 cm3

Step 3: Write the final answer

The volume of the cube is 27 cm3 .

Worked example 6: Finding the volume of a triangular prism

QUESTION

Find the volume of the triangular prism:

10 cm 20 cm

8 cm

SOLUTION

Step 1: Find the area of the base

1
area of triangle = b×h
2
( )
1
= × 8 × 10
2
= 40 cm2

Chapter 13. Measurements 429

Step 2: Multiply the area of the base by the height of the solid to find the volume
volume = area of base × height
1
= b×h×H
2
= 40 × 20
= 800 cm3

Step 3: Write the final answer

The volume of the triangular prism is 800 cm3 .

Worked example 7: Finding the volume of a cylinder

QUESTION

Find the volume of the following cylinder (correct to 1 decimal place):

4 cm

15 cm

SOLUTION

Step 1: Find the area of the base

area of circle = πr2
2
= π(4)
= 16π cm2

Step 2: Multiply the area of the base by the height of the solid to find the volume
volume = area of base × height
= πr2 × h
= 16π × 15
≈ 754,0 cm3

Step 3: Write the final answer

The volume of the cylinder is 754,0 cm3 .

430 13.2. Right prisms and cylinders

Exercise 13 – 3:

1. Calculate the volumes of the following prisms (correct to 1 decimal place):

a)

10 cm

6 cm 7 cm

b)

5 cm 20 cm
10 cm

c)

10 cm
5 cm

2. The figure here is a triangular prism. √

The height of the prism is 7 units; the triangles, which both contain
right angles, have sides which are 2, 21 and 5 units long. Calculate the volume of the figure. Round to
two decimal places if necessary.

√ 2
21

3. The figure here is a rectangular prism. The height of the prism is 12 units; the other dimensions of the
prism are 11 and 8 units. Find the volume of the figure.

Chapter 13. Measurements 431

 12

11
8

4. The picture below shows a cylinder. The height of the cylinder is 11 units; the radius of the cylinder is
r = 4 units. Determine the volume of the figure. Round your answer to two decimal places.

11 cm

4 cm

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13.3 Right pyramids, right cones and spheres EMA7Q

DEFINITION: Pyramid

A pyramid is a geometric solid that has a polygon as its base and faces that converge at a point called the apex.
In other words the faces are not perpendicular to the base.

The triangular pyramid and square pyramid take their names from the shape of their base. We call a pyramid a
“right pyramid” if the line between the apex and the centre of the base is perpendicular to the base. Cones are
similar to pyramids except that their bases are circles instead of polygons. Spheres are solids that are perfectly
round and look the same from any direction.

Examples of a square pyramid, a triangular pyramid, a cone and a sphere:

432 13.3. Right pyramids, right cones and spheres

Surface area of pyramids, cones and spheres EMA7R

hs

Surface area = area of base +

b area of triangular
( ) sides
Square pyramid
= b2 + 4 12 bhs
= b (b + 2hs )

hs

hb
Surface area = area of base +
b area
( of triangular
) (sides )
Triangular pyramid
= 12 b × hb + 3 12 b × hs
= 12 b (hb + 3hs )

Surface area = area of base +

r
area of walls
Right cone
= πr2 + 12 × 2πrh
= πr (r + h)

Sphere Surface area = 4πr2

Chapter 13. Measurements 433

Worked example 8: Finding the surface area of a triangular pyramid

QUESTION

Find the surface area of the following triangular pyramid (correct to one decimal place):

10 cm

6 cm

SOLUTION

Step 1: Find the area of the base

area of base triangle = 12 bhb

To find the height of the base triangle (hb ) we use the theorem of Pythagoras:

6 cm

hb

3 cm

62 = 32 + h2b
√
∴ hb = 62 − 32
√
=3 3
1 √
∴ area of base triangle = × 6 × 3 3
2√
= 9 3 cm2

Step 2: Find the area of the sides

( )
1
area of sides = 3 × b × hs
2
( )
1
=3 × 6 × 10
2
= 90 cm2

434 13.3. Right pyramids, right cones and spheres

Step 3: Find the sum of the areas

√
9 3 + 90 = 105,6 cm2

Step 4: Write the final answer

The surface area of the triangular pyramid is 105,6 cm2 .

Worked example 9: Finding the surface area of a cone

QUESTION

Find the surface area of the following cone (correct to 1 decimal place):

14 cm

4 cm

SOLUTION

Step 1: Find the area of the base

area of base circle = πr2

= π × 42
= 16π

Step 2: Find the area of the walls

area of sides = πrh

To find the slant height, h, we use the theorem of Pythagoras:

Chapter 13. Measurements 435

 h

14 cm

4 cm

h2 = 42 + 142
√
∴ h = 42 + 142
√
= 2 53 cm

1
area of walls = 2πrh
2 (
√ )
= π (4) 2 53
√
= 8π 53 cm2

Step 3: Find the sum of the areas

√
total surface area = 16π + 8π 53
= 233,2 cm2

Step 4: Write the final answer

The surface area of the cone is 233,2 cm2 .

Worked example 10: Finding the surface area of a sphere

QUESTION

Find the surface area of the following sphere (correct to 1 decimal place):

5 cm

436 13.3. Right pyramids, right cones and spheres

SOLUTION

surface area of sphere = 4πr2

2
= 4π(5)
= 100π
= 314,2 cm2

Worked example 11: Examining the surface area of a cone

QUESTION
√
If a cone has a height of h and a base of radius r, show that the surface area is: πr2 + πr r2 + h2

SOLUTION

Step 1: Sketch and label the cone

a
h
h

r r

Step 2: Identify the faces that make up the cone

The cone has two faces: the base and the walls. The base is a circle of radius r and the walls can be opened
out to a sector of a circle:

2πr = circumference

This curved surface can be cut into many thin triangles with height close to a (where a is the slant height). The
area of these triangles or sectors can be summed as follows:

1
Area of sector = × base × height (of a small triangle)
2
1
= × 2πr × a
2
= πra

Chapter 13. Measurements 437

Step 3: Calculate a
a can be calculated using the theorem of Pythagoras:
√
a = r2 + h2

Step 4: Calculate the area of the circular base (Ab )

Ab = πr2

Step 5: Calculate the area of the curved walls (Aw )

Aw = πra
√
= πr r2 + h2

Step 6: Find the sum of the areas A

A = Ab + Aw
√
= πr2 + πr r2 + h2
( √ )
= πr r + r2 + h2

Exercise 13 – 4:

1. Find the total surface area of the following objects (correct to 1 decimal place if necessary):
a)

13 cm

5 cm

438 13.3. Right pyramids, right cones and spheres

 b)

10 cm

6 cm

c)

12 cm

6 cm 6 cm

d)

10 cm

2. The figure here is a cone. The vertical height of the cone is H = 9,16 units and the slant height of the
cone is h = 10 units; the radius of the cone is shown, r = 4 units. Calculate the surface area of the
figure. Round your answer to two decimal places.

Chapter 13. Measurements 439

 9,16 10

3. The figure here is a sphere. The radius of the sphere is r = 8 units. Calculate the surface area of the
figure. Round your answer to two decimal places.

4. The figure here shows a pyramid with a square base. The sides of the base are each 7 units long. The
vertical height of the pyramid is 9,36 units, and the slant height of the pyramid is 10 units. Determine
the surface area of the pyramid.

10

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440 13.3. Right pyramids, right cones and spheres

Volume of pyramids, cones and spheres EMA7S

| H |

| | Volume = 13 × area of base×

Square pyramid b height of pyramid
= 31 × b2 × H

|
h
Volume = 13 × area of base×
Triangular pyramid b height of pyramid
= 31 × 21 bh × H

r Volume = 13 × area of base×

Right cone height of cone
= 31 × πr2 × H

Sphere Volume = 43 πr3

VISIT:
This video gives an example of calculating the volume of a sphere.
See video: 2GST at www.everythingmaths.co.za

Worked example 12: Finding the volume of a square pyramid

QUESTION

Find the volume of a square pyramid with a height of 3 cm and a side length of 2 cm.

Chapter 13. Measurements 441

SOLUTION

Step 1: Sketch and label the pyramid

3 cm

2 cm 2 cm

Step 2: Select the correct formula and substitute the given values
We are given b = 2 and H = 3, therefore:

1
V = × b2 × H
3
1
V = × 22 × 3
3
1
= × 12
3
= 4 cm3

Step 3: Write the final answer

The volume of the square pyramid is 4 cm3 .

Worked example 13: Finding the volume of a triangular pyramid

QUESTION

Find the volume of the following triangular pyramid (correct to 1 decimal place):

H
12 cm

hb

8 cm

442 13.3. Right pyramids, right cones and spheres

SOLUTION

Step 1: Sketch the base triangle and calculate its area

8 cm
hb

4 cm

The height of the base triangle (hb ) is:

82 = 42 + h2b
√
∴ hb = 82 − 42
√
= 4 3 cm

The area of the base triangle is:

1
area of base triangle = b × hb
2
1 √
= ×8×4 3
2√
= 16 3 cm2

Step 2: Sketch the side triangle and calculate pyramid height H

12 cm

4 cm

Chapter 13. Measurements 443

 √ 2
122 = 2 3 + H 2
H 2 = 130
√
∴ H = 130 cm

Step 3: Calculate the volume of the pyramid

1 1
V = × bhb × H
3 2
1 √ √
= × 16 3 × 130
3
= 105,3 cm3

Step 4: Write the final answer

The volume of the triangular pyramid is 105,3 cm3 .

Worked example 14: Finding the volume of a cone

QUESTION

Find the volume of the following cone (correct to 1 decimal place):

11 cm

3 cm

SOLUTION

Step 1: Find the area of the base

area of circle = πr2

= π × 32
= 9π cm2

444 13.3. Right pyramids, right cones and spheres

Step 2: Calculate the volume

1
V = × πr2 × H
3
1
= × 9π × 11
3
= 103,7 cm3

Step 3: Write the final answer

The volume of the cone is 103,7 cm3 .

Worked example 15: Finding the volume of a sphere

QUESTION

Find the volume of the following sphere (correct to 1 decimal place):

4 cm

SOLUTION

Step 1: Use the formula to find the volume

4 3
volume = πr
3
4 3
= π(4)
3
= 268,1 cm3

Step 2: Write the final answer

The volume of the sphere is 268,1 cm3 .

Chapter 13. Measurements 445

Worked example 16: Finding the volume of a complex object

QUESTION

A triangular pyramid is placed on top of a triangular prism, as shown below. The base of the prism is an
equilateral triangle of side length 20 cm and the height of the prism is 42 cm. The pyramid has a height of
12 cm. Calculate the total volume of the object.

12 cm

42 cm

20 cm

SOLUTION

Step 1: Calculate the volume of the prism

First find the height of the base triangle using the theorem of Pythagoras:

20 cm
hb

10 cm

202 = 102 + h2b

√
∴ hb = 202 − 102
√
= 10 3 cm

Next find the area of the base triangle:

1 √
area of base triangle = × 20 × 10 3
2 √
= 100 3 cm2

446 13.3. Right pyramids, right cones and spheres

Now we can find the volume of the prism:

∴ volume of prism = area of base triangle × height of prism

√
= 100 3 × 42
√
= 4200 3 cm3

Step 2: Calculate the volume of the pyramid

The area of the base triangle is equal to the area of the base of the pyramid.
1
∴ volume of pyramid = (area of base) × H
3
1 √
= × 100 3 × 12
3 √
= 400 3 cm3

Step 3: Calculate the total volume

√ √
total volume = 4200 3 + 400 3
√
= 4600 3
= 7967,4 cm3

Therefore the total volume of the object is 7967,4 cm3 .

Worked example 17: Finding the surface area of a complex object

QUESTION

With the same complex object as in the previous example, you are given the additional information that the
slant height hs = 13,3 cm. Now calculate the total surface area of the object.

SOLUTION

Step 1: Calculate the surface area of each exposed face of the pyramid

1
area of one pyramid face = b × hs
2
1
= × 20 × 13,3
2
= 133 cm2

Because the base triangle is equilateral, each face has the same base, and therefore the same surface area.
Therefore the surface area for each face of the pyramid is 133 cm2 .

Step 2: Calculate the surface area of each side of the prism

Each side of the prism is a rectangle with base b = 20 cm and height hp = 42 cm.

Chapter 13. Measurements 447

 area of one prism side = b × hp
= 20 × 42
= 840 cm2

Because the base triangle is equilateral, each side of the prism has the same area. Therefore the surface area
for each side of the prism is 840 cm2 .

Step 3: Calculate the total surface area of the object

total surface area =area of base of prism + area of sides of prism + area of exposed faces of pyramid
( √ )
= 100 3 + 3 (840) + 3 (133)
=3092,2 cm2

Therefore the total surface area (of the exposed faces) of the object is 3092,2 cm2 .

VISIT:
This video shows an example of calculating the volume of a complex object.
See video: 2GSV at www.everythingmaths.co.za

Exercise 13 – 5:

1. The figure below shows a sphere. The radius of the sphere is r = 8 units. Determine the volume of the
figure. Round your answer to two decimal places.

2. The figure here is a cone. The vertical height of the cone is H = 7 units and the slant height is h = 7,28
units; the radius of the cone is shown, r = 2 units. Calculate the volume of the figure. Round your
answer to two decimal places.

7,28
7

448 13.3. Right pyramids, right cones and spheres

3. The figure here is a pyramid with a square base. The vertical height of the pyramid is H = 8 units and
the slant height is h = 8,94 units; each side of the base of the pyramid is b = 8 units. Round your answer
to two decimal places.

8 8,94

4. Find the volume of the following objects (round off to 1 decimal place if needed):

a)

13 cm

5 cm

b)

10 cm

6 cm

Chapter 13. Measurements 449

 c)

12 cm

6 cm 6 cm

d)

10 cm

5. Find the surface area and volume of the cone shown here. Round your answers to the nearest integer.

20 cm

5 cm

6. Calculate the following properties for the pyramid shown below. Round your answers to two decimal
places.

9 cm

4 cm

a) Surface area
b) Volume

450 13.3. Right pyramids, right cones and spheres

 7. The solid below is made up of a cube and a square pyramid. Find its volume and surface area (correct
to 1 decimal place):

11 cm

5 cm

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13.4 The effect of multiplying a dimension by a factor of k EMA7T

When one or more of the dimensions of a prism or cylinder is multiplied by a constant, the surface area and
volume will change. The new surface area and volume can be calculated by using the formulae from the
preceding section.

It is possible to see a relationship between the change in dimensions and the resulting change in surface area
and volume. These relationships make it simpler to calculate the new volume or surface area of an object when
its dimensions are scaled up or down.

Consider a rectangular prism of dimensions l, b and h. Below we multiply one, two and three of its dimensions
by a constant factor of 5 and calculate the new volume and surface area.

Dimensions Volume Surface

V =l×b×h A = 2 [(l × h) + (l × b) + (b × h)]
Original dimensions
= lbh = 2 (lh + lb + bh)
h

l b
V1 = l × b × 5h
A1 = 2 [(l × 5h) + (l × b) + (b × 5h)]
Multiply one dimension by 5 = 5 (lbh)
= 2 (5lh + lb + 5bh)
= 5V

5h

l b

Chapter 13. Measurements 451

 Dimensions Volume Surface
V2 = 5l × b × 5h
A2 = 2 [(5l × 5h) + (5l × b) + (b × 5h)]
Multiply two dimensions by 5 = 5.5 (lbh)
= 2 × 5 (5lh + lb + bh)
= 52 × V

5h

5l
b

V3 = 5l × 5b × 5h
A3 ( × 5h) + (5l × 5b)
= 2 [(5l ) + (5b × 5h)]
= 2 52 lh + 52 lb + 52 bh
Multiply all three dimensions by = 53 (lbh)
= 52 × 2 (lh + lb + bh)
5 = 53 V
= 52 A

5h

5l 5b
Vk = kl × kb × kh Ak = 2 [(kl × kh) + (kl × kb) + (kb × kh)]
Multiply all three dimensions by = k 3 (lbh) = k 2 × 2 (lh + lb + bh)
k = k3 V = k2 A

kh

kl kb

Worked example 18: Calculating the new dimensions of a rectangular prism

QUESTION

Consider a rectangular prism with a height of 4 cm and base lengths of 3 cm.

4 cm

3 cm 3 cm

1. Calculate the surface area and volume.

2. Calculate the new surface area (An ) and volume (Vn ) if the base lengths are multiplied by a constant
factor of 3.
3. Express the new surface area and volume as a factor of the original surface area and volume.

452 13.4. The effect of multiplying a dimension by a factor of k

SOLUTION

Step 1: Calculate the original volume and surface area

V =l×b×h
=3×3×4
= 36 cm3

A = 2 [(l × h) + (l × b) + (b × h)]
= 2 [(3 × 4) + (3 × 3) + (3 × 4)]
= 66 cm2

Step 2: Calculate the new volume and surface area

Two of the dimensions are multiplied by a factor of 3.

Vn = 3l × 3b × h
= 3(3) × 3(3) × 4
= 324 cm3

An = 2 [(3l × h) + (3l × 3b) + (3b × h)]

= 2 [(3(3) × 4) + (3(3) × 3(3)) + (3(3) × 4)]
= 306 cm2

Step 3: Express the new dimensions as a factor of the original dimensions

V = 36
Vn = 324
Vn 324
=
V 36
=9
∴ Vn = 9V
= 32 V

A = 66
An = 306
An 306
=
A 66
306
∴ An = A
66
51
= A
11

Chapter 13. Measurements 453

Worked example 19: Multiplying the dimensions of a rectangular prism by k

QUESTION

Prove that if the height of a rectangular prism with dimensions l, b and h is multiplied by a constant value of
k, the volume will also increase by a factor k.

l
b

SOLUTION

Step 1: Calculate the original volume

We are given the original dimensions l, b and h and so the original volume is V = l × b × h.

Step 2: Calculate the new volume

The new dimensions are l, b, and kh and so the new volume is:

Vn = l × b × (kh)
= k (lbh)
= kV

Step 3: Write the final answer

If the height of a rectangular prism is multiplied by a constant k, then the volume also increases by a factor of
k.

Worked example 20: Multiplying the dimensions of a cylinder by k

QUESTION

Consider a cylinder with a radius of r and a height of h. Calculate the new volume and surface area (expressed
in terms of r and h) if the radius is multiplied by a constant factor of k.

454 13.4. The effect of multiplying a dimension by a factor of k

SOLUTION

Step 1: Calculate the original volume and surface area

V = πr2 × h
A = πr2 + 2πrh

Step 2: Calculate the new volume and surface area

The new dimensions are kr and h.
2
Vn = π(kr) × h
= πk 2 r2 × h
= k 2 × πr2 h
= k2 V

2
An = π(kr) + 2π (kr) h
= πk 2 r2 + 2πkrh
( )
= k 2 πr2 + k (2πrh)

Exercise 13 – 6:

1. If the length of the radius of a circle is a third of its original size, what will the area of the new circle be?

2. If the length of the base’s radius and height of a cone is doubled, what will the surface area of the new
cone be?

H
r

3. If the height of a prism is doubled, how much will its volume increase by?
4. Describe the change in the volume of a rectangular prism if the:
a) length and breadth increase by a constant factor of 3.
b) length, breadth and height are multiplied by a constant factor of 3.

Chapter 13. Measurements 455

 5. If the length of each side of a triangular prism is quadrupled, what will the volume of the new triangular
prism be?

h
H
b

6. Given a prism with a volume of 493 cm3 and a surface area of 6007 cm2 , find the new surface area and
volume for a prism if all dimensions are increased by a constant factor of 4.

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13.5 Chapter summary EMA7V

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• Area is the two dimensional space inside the boundary of a flat object. It is measured in square units.
• Area formulae:
– square: s2
– rectangle: b × h
– triangle: 12 b × h
– trapezium: 12 (a + b) × h
– parallelogram: b × h
– circle: πr2
• A right prism is a geometric solid that has a polygon as its base and vertical sides perpendicular to the
base. The base and top surface are the same shape and size. It is called a “right” prism because the
angles between the base and sides are right angles.
• A triangular prism has a triangle as its base, a rectangular prism has a rectangle as its base, and a cube is
a rectangular prism with all its sides of equal length. A cylinder is another type of right prism which has
a circle as its base.
• Surface area is the total area of the exposed or outer surfaces of a prism.
• A net is the unfolded “plan” of a solid.
• Volume is the three dimensional space occupied by an object, or the contents of an object. It is measured
in cubic units.
• Volume formulae for prisms and cylinders:
– Volume of a rectangular prism: l × b × h
( )
– Volume of a triangular prism: 12 b × h × H
– Volume of a square prism or cube: s3
– Volume of a cylinder: πr2 × h

456 13.5. Chapter summary

 • A pyramid is a geometric solid that has a polygon as its base and sides that converge at a point called the
apex. The sides are not perpendicular to the base.
• The triangular pyramid and square pyramid take their names from the shape of their base. We call a
pyramid a “right pyramid” if the line between the apex and the centre of the base is perpendicular to the
base. Cones are similar to pyramids except that their bases are circles instead of polygons. Spheres are
solids that are perfectly round and look the same from any direction.
• Surface area formulae for right pyramids, right cones and spheres:
– square pyramid: b (b + 2h)
– triangular pyramid: 12 b (hb + 3hs )
– right cone: πr (r + hs )
– sphere: 4πr2
• Volume formulae for right pyramids, right cones and spheres:
– square pyramid: 1
3 × b2 × H
– triangular pyramid: 13 × 12 bh × H
– right cone: 13 × πr2 × H
– sphere: 43 πr3
• Multiplying one or more dimensions of a prism or cylinder by a constant k affects the surface area and
volume.

End of chapter Exercise 13 – 7:

1. Find the area of each of the shapes shown. Round your answer to two decimal places if necessary.
a)

5 cm

15 cm

b)

7 mm

c)

14 cm

8 cm 14 cm

Chapter 13. Measurements 457

2. a) Find an expression for the area of this figure in terms of y. The dimensions of the figure are labelled
−5y and −3y + 2. Write your answer in expanded form (not factorised).

−3y + 2

−5y

b) Find an expression for the area of this figure in terms of y. The figure has dimensions of −5y and
−3y + 2, as labelled. Write your answer in expanded form (not factorised).

−3y + 2

−5y

3. The figure here is a triangular prism. The height of the prism is 12 units; the triangles, which are both
right triangles, have sides which are 5, 12 and 13 units long. Find the surface area of the figure.

5
12

12

13

4. The figure here is a rectangular prism. The height of the prism is 5 units; the other dimensions of the
prism are 8 and 5 units. Find the surface area of the figure.

5 5

5. A cylinder is shown below. The height of the cylinder is 11 cm; the radius of the cylinder is r = 6 cm,
as shown. Find the surface area of the figure. Round your answer to two decimal places.

458 13.5. Chapter summary

 11 cm

6 cm

6. The figure here is a triangular prism. The height of the prism is 12 units; the triangles, which both contain
right angles, have sides which are 5, 12 and 13 units long. Determine the volume of the figure.

5
12

12

13

7. The figure here is a rectangular prism. The height of the prism is 5 units; the other dimensions of the
prism are 12 and 5 units. Calculate the volume of the figure.

12
5

8. The picture below shows a cylinder. The height of the cylinder is 12 cm; the radius of the cylinder is
r = 7 cm. Calculate the volume of the figure. Round your answer two decimal places.

12 cm

7 cm

9. The figure here is a sphere. The radius of the sphere is r = 7 units. Find the surface area of the figure.
Round your answer two decimal places.

Chapter 13. Measurements 459

 7

10. The figure here shows a pyramid with a square base. The sides of the base are each 4 units long. The
vertical height of the pyramid is 8,77 units, and the slant height of the pyramid is 9 units. Determine the
surface area of the pyramid.

8,77
9

11. The figure here is a cone. The vertical height of the cone is H = 7,41 units and the slant height of the
cone is h = 8 units; the radius of the cone is shown, r = 3 units. Find the surface area of the figure.
Round your answer two decimal places.

8
7,41

12. The figure below shows a sphere. The radius of the sphere is r = 3 units. Determine the volume of the
figure. Round your answer to two decimal places.

13. The figure here is a cone. The vertical height of the cone is H = 7 units and the slant height is h = 8,60
units; the radius of the cone is shown, r = 5 units. Find the volume of the figure. Round your answer to
two decimal places.

460 13.5. Chapter summary

 7 8,6

14. The figure here is a pyramid with a square base. The vertical height of the pyramid is H = 8 units and
the slant height is h = 8,73 units; each side of the base of the pyramid is b = 7 units. Find the volume
of the figure. Round your answer to two decimal places.

8,73
8

15. Consider the solids below:

12 cm

10 cm

3 cm 15 cm
15 cm

4 cm

a) Calculate the surface area of each solid.

b) Calculate the volume of each solid.
16. If the length of each side of a square is a quarter of its original size, what will the area of the new square
be?
17. If the length of each side of a square pyramid is a third of its original size, what will the surface area of
the new square pyramid be?
18. If the length of the base’s radius and the height of a cylinder is halved, what will the volume of the new
cylinder be?

Chapter 13. Measurements 461

19. Consider the solids below and answer the questions that follow (correct to 1 decimal place, if necessary):

10 cm
m
5c
20 cm
4 cm 3 cm
8 cm

2 cm

5 cm 4 cm

a) Calculate the surface area of each solid.

b) Calculate volume of each solid.
c) If each dimension of the solids is increased by a factor of 3, calculate the new surface area of each
solid.
d) If each dimension of the solids is increased by a factor of 3, calculate the new volume of each solid.
20. The solid below is made of a cube and a square pyramid. Answer the following:

22 cm

7 cm
a) Find the surface area of the solid shown. Give your answers to two decimal places.
b) Now determine the volume of the shape. Give your answer to the nearest integer value.
21. Calculate the volume and surface area of the solid below (correct to 1 decimal place):

30 cm

50 cm

40 cm

462 13.5. Chapter summary

22. Find the volume and surface areas of the following composite shapes.

a)

10 cm

15 cm

b)

11 m

6m

c)

9 ft

12 ft

6 ft
16 ft

4 ft

Chapter 13. Measurements 463

23. An ice-cream cone (right cone) has a radius of 3 cm and a height of 12 cm. A half scoop of ice-cream
(hemisphere) is placed on top of the cone. If the ice-cream melts, will it fit into the cone? Show all your
working.
24. A receptacle filled with petrol has the shape of an inverted right circular cone of height 120 cm and base
radius of 60 cm. A certain amount of fuel is siphoned out of the receptacle leaving a depth of h cm.

R = 60 cm

r = 45 cm

120 cm
h

a) Show that h = 90 cm.

b) Determine the volume of fuel that has been siphoned out. Express your answer in litres if 1 l =
1000 cm3
25. Find the volume and surface area of the following prisms.
a)

20 cm

15 cm

b)

30◦

c)

15

2
2
3

26. Determine the volume of the following:

464 13.5. Chapter summary

 a)

20 cm

12 cm

b) ABCD is a square, AC = 12 cm, AP = 10 cm.

M
A C

27. The prism alongside has the following dimensions:

AB = 4 units, EC = 8 units, AF = 10 units. BC is an arc of a circle with centre D. AB ∥ EC.

a) Explain why BD, the radius of the arc BC, is 4 units.

b) Calculate the area of the shaded surface.
c) Find the volume of the prism.

28. A cooldrink container is made in the shape of a pyramid with an isosceles triangular base. This is known
as a tetrahedron. The angle of elevation of the top of the container is 33,557◦ . CI = 7 cm; JI = 18 cm.

Chapter 13. Measurements 465

 J

18 cm

33.557◦

C
7 cm
I

a) i. Show that the length U I is 15 cm.

ii. Find the height JU (to the nearest unit).
iii. Calculate the area of △CU I.
Hint: construct a perpendicular line from U to CI
iv. Find the volume of the container
b) The container is filled with the juice such that an 11,85% gap of air is left. Determine the volume
of the juice.
29. Below is a diagram of The Great Pyramid.
This is a square-based pyramid and O is the centre of the square.

D
h
s

B E
O
a a
A
a
C

BA = AC = a and OF = h = height of the pyramid. The length of the side of the pyramid BC =
755,79 feet and the height of the pyramid is 481,4 feet.
a) Determine the area of the base of the pyramid in terms of a.
b) Calculate AF (= s) to 5 decimal places.
s
c) From your calculation in question (b) determine .
a
d) Determine the volume and surface area of the pyramid.

466 13.5. Chapter summary

For more exercises, visit www.everythingmaths.co.za and click on ’Practise Maths’.
1. 2GTJ 2. 2GTK 3. 2GTM 4. 2GTN 5. 2GTP 6. 2GTQ
7. 2GTR 8. 2GTS 9. 2GTT 10. 2GTV 11. 2GTW 12. 2GTX
13. 2GTY 14. 2GTZ 15a. 2GV2 15b. 2GV3 16. 2GV4 17. 2GV5
18. 2GV6 19a. 2GV7 19b. 2GV8 19c. 2GV9 19d. 2GVB 20. 2GVC
21. 2GVD 22a. 2GVF 22b. 2GVG 22c. 2GVH 23. 2GVJ 24. 2GVK
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28. 2GVT 29. 2GVV

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Chapter 13. Measurements 467