Volume of other 3D shapes (cylinders, cones, pyramids, spheres, etc)

Calculate the volume of a cylinder, cone, pyramid, or sphere from given dimensions, and work backwards algebraically to find an unknown length when the volume is known.

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Te reo Māori terms

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Learning objective overview

Master Teaching Guide coverage for this objective.

Resources

Terminology

  • cylinder
  • cone
  • pyramid
  • sphere

Task goals

  • Calculate the volume of a cylinder, cone, pyramid, or sphere from given dimensions, giving the answer in terms of $\pi$ where appropriate.
  • Work backwards from a given volume to find an unknown radius, height, or base side length of a 3D shape.
  • Solve real-world capacity problems involving cylindrical tanks, including answers rounded to a given number of decimal places and percentage-full scenarios.
  • Compare the volumes of two solids that share a radius and height (e.g. explain why a cylinder's volume is three times a cone's), or find the total volume of a composite solid made from two joined shapes.
  • Form and solve an algebraic equation to find an unknown dimension exactly when the volume is given in terms of $\pi$, such as after melting and recasting one solid into another.
  • Investigate how the volume of a cylinder changes when its radius is doubled and its height is halved.

Teaching guidance

  • Students should be able to form an equation from a given equation and use algebra to solve for an unknown length of the 3D shape.

Key skills

  • Volume
  • Cylinders
  • Cones
  • Pyramids
  • Spheres

Quick stats

  • 81 total questions
  • 3 difficulty levels
  • Answers included