Finding Volume of Triangular Prism

Pre-Algebra · Axiom Academy

EXAMPLE Finding Volume of a Triangular Prism Find the volume by computing the triangular base area first, then multiplying by the prism's length. A triangular prism has a triangular base with base b = 8 cm and height h = 6 cm, and the prism has length L = 12 cm. Find the volume V of the prism. Nice work! You found the volume of a triangular prism by working it out one step at a time. Here's what to carry forward: Two-step process: Volume of a prism = (area of the base) × (length). For a triangular prism, find the triangular base area first, then multiply. Triangle area needs the ½: The base area is . Forgetting the doubles your answer. Use the triangle's own measurements: The base b = 8 cm and height h = 6 cm belong to the triangle — the L = 12 cm is how far the prism extends, not a side of the triangle. Cubic units: Volume measures 3-D space, so the answer is in , not . Master this base-area-then-length pattern and you can find the volume of any prism, whatever the shape of its base.

This is the written version of the interactive lesson above. See the full Pre-Algebra course.