Volume of a Prism

This lesson can be used for revision for the higher Maths GCSE. The examples are quick and concise with exam style questions, go to GCSE Maths if you need more in-depth explanations.

How to calculate the volume of a prism
Volume of prism = area of cross section × length

Example 1: The diagram shows a cuboid.
All the measurements are in cm.
The volume of the cuboid is 51 cm³.
Show that 2x² - 4x - 51 = 0 for x≥ 2.

Example 2: A cuboid has a square base of side x cm.
The height of the cuboid is (x + 4)cm.
The volume of the cuboid is 150 cm³.
Show that x³ + 4x² = 150

Example 3: Work out the volume of the triangular prism.

Example 4: The prism is made from metal.
The density of the metal is 6.6 grams per cm³.
Calculate the mass of the prism.

Example 5: Each flowerpot is in the shape of a cylinder of height 15 cm and radius 6 cm.
She has a 15 litre bag of compost.
She fills up each flowerpot completely.
How many flowerpots can she fill?
You must show your working. Go to next lesson