A pyramid is a 3D shape that has a polygonal base and triangular faces that meet at an apex.

The apex is the point (vertex) which is the greatest perpendicular distance from the base.

When the apex lies directly above the centre of the base, then it is called a right pyramid.

An oblique pyramid is when the apex is not directly above the centre of the base.

The surface area of a pyramid

Maths

In this unit, pupils have increased their knowledge of volume which is used in the compound measures unit as the formula for density involves volume. 

In the prior unit, pupils built upon their learning of the area of different shapes. In this unit, pupils will continue to further develop their understanding of shapes by considering surface area and volume of pyramids, spheres and cones.

2D and 3D shape: surface area and volume (pyramids, spheres and cones)

Jun describes a 3D shape. Jun says, "My shape has an apex that is directly above a vertex of its square base. All the faces other than the base are triangles." What is Jun's shape?

The diagram shows a pyramid and its net. Match each length marked on the net to the correct measurement on the pyramid.

The diagram shows a pyramid and its net. The surface area of the pyramid is {{ }} m². Do not round your answer.

The surface area of this pyramid is {{ }} cm².

The net of a cylinder is made from two congruent circles and a {{ }}.

A cylindrical tube is cut and unfolded into a rectangle. Find the values of $$a$$ and $$b$$ on the lengths of the rectangle.

Surface area of curved surface = $$ 2\pi  r h$$

Surface area of curved surface = $$ \pi  r h$$

Surface area of curved surface = $$ \pi  r^2 h$$

Surface area of curved surface = $$2 \pi r^2 + 2\pi  r h$$

Surface area of curved surface = $$ 2\pi  r^2 h$$

Which formula gives the surface area of the curved surface of a cylinder of radius $$r$$ and height $$h$$?

Find the surface area of a cylinder with radius 6 cm and height 9 cm. Give your answer correct to 3 significant figures.

A cylinder has a radius of 3 m and a height of 6 m. The surface area of the cylinder, in terms of $$\pi$$, is {{}}$$\pi$$m².

The surface area of this cylinder is 120π cm². The length of marked $$x$$ is {{ }} cm.

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The surface area of a pyramid

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.