Math Is Fun Forum

Charan

Guest

Triangular prisms

I have homework that I  don't really understand, I need to find the surface area of triangular prisms. The lesson in class today wasn't very helpful.

Okay so i have a triangle that has a width of 8, a length of 15 and a height of 10. How would I solve for the surface are using this info?

mathsyperson

Moderator

Registered: 2005-06-22

Posts: 4,900

Re: Triangular prisms

I don't think you can. You need to know each length of the triangular base to answer this, but all you know is that the width is 8 and the height is 10. From this, all the side lengths cannot be deduced.

It is enough for you to be able to find the volume of the prism though.

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Why did the vector cross the road?
It wanted to be normal.

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Triangular prisms

Hi mathsyperson;

Good morning.
Is this what is required?
http://z.about.com/d/math/1/0/J/F/Triangularprismr.gif

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In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

mathsyperson

Moderator

Registered: 2005-06-22

Posts: 4,900

Re: Triangular prisms

That would work, but we'd have to assume that the triangle is iscoeles.

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Why did the vector cross the road?
It wanted to be normal.

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Triangular prisms

Hi mathsyperson;

How did I miss that, its right on top, thanks.

Last edited by bobbym (2009-05-24 07:46:31)

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In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Kurre

Member

Registered: 2006-07-18

Posts: 280

Re: Triangular prisms

eh how does one define length, width and height for a triangular prism?? :s