Prerequisite: Area of the Triangular Bases
Before you can find the total surface area, you must know how to find the area of the two triangular bases. The area of a triangle is exactly half of a rectangle with the same base (b) and height (h). Area = 1/2 × b × h. Remember that the height of a triangle MUST meet its base at a perfect 90-degree right angle. In the formula for the prism, do not confuse the height of the flat triangle (which is used for the base area) with the 3D height of the entire prism!. This skill is part of Grade 6 math in Reveal Math, Course 1.
Key Concepts
Before you can find the total surface area, you must know how to find the area of the two triangular bases. The area of a triangle is exactly half of a rectangle with the same base (b) and height (h).
Area = 1/2 × b × h.
Common Questions
What is Prerequisite: Area of the Triangular Bases?
Before you can find the total surface area, you must know how to find the area of the two triangular bases. The area of a triangle is exactly half of a rectangle with the same base (b) and height (h). Area = 1/2 × b × h.
How does Prerequisite: Area of the Triangular Bases work?
Example: Standard Triangle: A triangular base has a bottom edge of 14 cm and a perpendicular height of 10 cm. Its area is 1/2 × 14 × 10 = 70 cm². Since a prism has TWO identical bases, their combined area would be 140 cm².
Give an example of Prerequisite: Area of the Triangular Bases.
Right Triangle: A triangular garden plot shaped like a right triangle has legs of 8 meters and 6 meters. Its area is 1/2 × 8 × 6 = 24 m².
Why is Prerequisite: Area of the Triangular Bases important in math?
Remember that the height of a triangle MUST meet its base at a perfect 90-degree right angle. In the formula for the prism, do not confuse the height of the flat triangle (which is used for the base area) with the 3D height of the entire prism!.
What grade level covers Prerequisite: Area of the Triangular Bases?
Prerequisite: Area of the Triangular Bases is a Grade 6 math topic covered in Reveal Math, Course 1 in Module 9: Volume and Surface Area. Students at this level study the concept as part of their grade-level standards and are expected to explain, analyze, and apply what they have learned.