The Basics:

Circles, Polygons & Geometric Solids

A geometric solid is a three-dimensional figure in space. In this section you'll be solving equations based on formulas for surface area and volume of 3-dimensional shapes.

First, let's define some of the geometric solids you might work with:

1. Rectangular Solid: A rectangular solid is a geometric solid in which all six sides, called faces, are rectangles.

2. Cube: A cube is a rectangular solid in which the lengths of all edges are the same and each face is a square.

3. Sphere: A sphere is a geometric solid in which all of the points on the sphere are equidistant from a fixed point called the center. The diameter of a sphere is a line segment with endpoints on the sphere passing through the center of the sphere. The radius of a sphere is the line segment from the center to a point on the sphere.

4. Right Circular Cylinder: A right circular cylinder is a cylinder in which the bases are circles and they are perpendicular to the height.

5. Right Circular Cone: A right circular cone is a right circular cylinder in which one of its bases is shrunk to a single point, called the vertex.

6. Regular Pyramid: A regular pyramid is a pyramid in which the base is a regular polygon and the sides are isosceles triangles.

For a list of the formulas used for surface area and volume, check out page 8: Module VII - Circles, Polygons, & Geometric Solids2011.pdf

Watch these helpful Khan Academy videos for more information:

Solid Geometry Volume

Cylinder Volume and Surface Area

Volume of a Sphere

Area of a Circle

Now move on to the energy technology video demonstrations. When you are ready, take the practice quiz to show what you know. If you think you need more practice, ask your instructor if the optional practice assignments would help you.