Interact with the applet below for a couple of minutes. Then answer the questions that follow.
In the applet above, create a rectangular prism that has its first layer measuring 3 units long by 4 units wide. Suppose this rectangular prism is 2 layers high. How many cubes make up this prism?
In the applet above, create a rectangular prism that has its first layer measuring 5 units long by 3 units wide. How many cubes make up this prism if this prism is 2 layers high? 3 layers high? 10 layers high?
How can we EASILY determine the number of cubes that fit inside ANY rectangular prism? Describe.
Now that you have discovered how to find the volume of a rectangular prism explore the applet below for a couple of minutes then answer the questions that follow.
Based on your exploration of the applet above, what is the base shape of the [b]rectangular prism[/b]?
Based on your exploration of the applet above, what is the base shape of the [b]triangular prism[/b]?
Explain how you know what the base of the [b]triangular prism[/b] is.
Predict what you think the base shape is in the shape shown in the applet below. Then answer the questions that follow.
What is the base of the triangular prism above?
How can you find the volume of ANY triangular prism?
What is the GENERAL method to find the volume of ANY shape?