How To Find The Surface Area Of A Prism?
Let's look at the geometric characteristics of
a prism. But first, please review the definition of Surface Area Of Three-Dimensional Shapes.
- A prism is a two dimensional triangle with height; with height
it becomes a three dimensional shape.
- The trick to determining the surface area of a prism to identify
the type of triangle in the base and compute its surface area: Acute Triangle Area, Obtuse Triangle Area, Equilateral Triangle Area,
Isosceles Triangle Area,
Right Triangle Area, and Scalene Triangle Area. This
result will be part of the surface area of a prism formula; from now on, let's call
this the base (B). Also keep in mind there are two base areas - top and bottom.
- You will also need to know the Perimeter of base area. There
are two options: (1) determine the type of triangle the base and use the perimeter
calculator, (2) The perimeter of the base triangle is equal to the sum of the sides
P1 + P2 + P3.
- Special note, the Base, the perimeter and height of a prism must be greater than zero.
Surface Area Of A Prism Formula
Surface Area = (Base + Base) + ((P1 + P2 + P3) * Height) =
Surface Area = (B + B) + (P × H) =
Surface Area = (2 × B) + (P × H)
Image Of A Three Dimensional Prism
