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Rectangular Prism – Definition With Examples

Teacher Camille

8 minutes read

Created: January 11, 2024

Last updated: January 11, 2024

Welcome to Brighterly, where learning is fun and exciting! Today, we invite you to join us on an adventure to explore the incredible world of rectangular prisms. These 3D shapes are not only visually interesting, but they also hold secrets waiting to be discovered. With Brighterly by your side, we will uncover the properties, formulas, and various types of rectangular prisms. Together, we will dive into intriguing examples and practice questions to help you master this captivating topic. Are you ready to embark on this fantastic journey? Let’s dive right in!

What is a Rectangular Prism?

A rectangular prism is a captivating three-dimensional shape that features six faces, with each face taking the form of a rectangle. It is a solid figure characterized by flat, rectangular sides, making it a cornerstone of geometry. Rectangular prisms play a prominent role in various aspects of math, engineering, and architecture. They are an integral part of our daily lives, as seen in common objects such as boxes, bricks, and books. As we venture into the world of rectangular prisms, you’ll discover their intriguing properties and the incredible versatility they offer.

Properties of Rectangular Prism

A rectangular prism boasts unique properties that make it a fascinating shape to explore. These properties include:

1. Six Rectangular Faces: Each of the six faces that make up a rectangular prism is a rectangle, showcasing its distinct structure.
2. Twelve Straight Edges: Connecting the vertices of the prism, there are twelve straight edges that form its framework.
3. Eight Vertices: The rectangular prism features eight vertices, or corners, where its edges intersect.
4. Parallel and Congruent Faces: The opposite faces of a rectangular prism exhibit parallelism and congruence, highlighting the shape’s symmetry.
5. Right Angles: Rectangular prisms showcase their geometric nature through the right angles (90 degrees) formed within the shape.

Types of Rectangular Prism

Rectangular prisms come in two main varieties, each with its unique characteristics:

1. Right Rectangular Prism: This popular type features right angles (90 degrees) at each vertex, with the edges meeting at perpendicular angles. All faces of a right rectangular prism are rectangular, making it a familiar sight in everyday life.
2. Oblique Rectangular Prism: This intriguing variety has slanted sides, giving it a distinctive appearance. While not all angles within an oblique rectangular prism are right angles, its faces remain rectangular.

Rectangular Prism Formulas

Volume of Rectangular Prism

Calculating the volume of a rectangular prism is an exciting adventure that can be accomplished using the formula:

Volume = Length × Width × Height

Surface Area of Rectangular Prism

Unraveling the surface area of a rectangular prism is another enthralling journey, achieved using the formula:

Surface Area = 2(Length × Width + Length × Height + Width × Height)

Discover the wonders of Math!

The magical world of Mathematics is filled with enchanting shapes, mesmerizing numbers, and intricate patterns. At Brighterly, our passion is to make learning math a joyful and engaging experience for children. We invite you to explore our website and uncover more exhilarating math topics, interactive games, and captivating activities that will ignite your child’s curiosity and love for learning.

Rectangular Prism Net

A rectangular prism net is a two-dimensional representation of the enigmatic rectangular prism, with the faces laid flat on a plane. By folding the net along its edges, you can bring the 3D shape to life. With 11 possible nets for a rectangular prism, there’s an entire world of possibilities to explore.

Solved Examples on Rectangular Prism

1. Calculate the volume of a rectangular prism with dimensions 5cm x 3cm x 2cm.
   • Volume = Length × Width × Height = 5 × 3 × 2 = 30 cubic centimeters
2. Calculate the surface area of a rectangular prism with dimensions 6cm x 4cm x 3cm.
   • Surface Area = 2(Length × Width + Length × Height + Width × Height) = 2(6 × 4 + 6 × 3 + 4 × 3) = 2(24 + 18 + 12) = 108 square centimeters

Practice Questions on Rectangular Prism

1. Calculate the volume of a rectangular prism with dimensions 8cm x 5cm x 3cm.
2. Calculate the surface area of a rectangular prism with dimensions 10cm x 6cm x 4cm.
3. A rectangular prism has a volume of 180 cubic centimeters and its length, width, and height are all equal. What is the length of one side?
4. Calculate the volume of an oblique rectangular prism with dimensions 7cm x 4cm x 5cm.
5. A rectangular prism has a surface area of 240 square centimeters. If its length is 8cm, width is 5cm, what is its height?

Conclusion

With Brighterly as your guide, you have successfully delved into the fascinating realm of rectangular prisms. Together, we have explored their unique properties, various types, and essential formulas for calculating volume and surface area. As an integral part of understanding three-dimensional shapes, rectangular prisms lay the foundation for a solid grasp of geometry.

We hope you enjoyed this learning adventure and are eager to continue your journey through the magnificent world of mathematics. At Brighterly, our mission is to make learning enjoyable, engaging, and interactive. Be sure to check out our website for more delightful math topics, games, and activities to nurture your curiosity and love for learning. Together, let’s continue to discover the boundless wonders of math!

Frequently Asked Questions on Rectangular Prism

What is the difference between a cube and a rectangular prism?

A cube is a special type of rectangular prism, characterized by its six square faces and equal edge lengths. In contrast, a rectangular prism has six rectangular faces, and the edges can have different lengths. While both shapes share similar properties, such as six faces, twelve edges, and eight vertices, a cube is a more specific and symmetrical version of a rectangular prism.

Are all rectangular prisms cuboids?

Yes, all rectangular prisms are indeed cuboids. A cuboid is a three-dimensional shape with six rectangular faces, which is the exact definition of a rectangular prism. Rectangular prisms are essentially a category within the broader family of cuboids. The term “cuboid” is often used interchangeably with “rectangular prism” in various contexts.

Can a rectangular prism have curved edges?

No, a rectangular prism always has straight edges. Its defining characteristic is its six flat, rectangular faces connected by straight edges. If a shape has curved edges, it does not fit the definition of a rectangular prism and belongs to another category of 3D shapes, such as a cylinder or a cone.

What is the difference between a right and oblique rectangular prism?

The primary distinction between a right and oblique rectangular prism lies in the angles formed by their edges. A right rectangular prism has all right angles (90 degrees) at its vertices, with edges meeting at perpendicular angles. This results in all faces being perfect rectangles. On the other hand, an oblique rectangular prism has slanted sides and not all angles are right angles, which gives it a skewed appearance. Despite this difference in angles, both right and oblique rectangular prisms have six rectangular faces, showcasing their shared geometric foundation.

Teacher Camille

I am a seasoned math tutor with over seven years of experience in the field. Holding a Master’s Degree in Education, I take great joy in nurturing young math enthusiasts, regardless of their age, grade, and skill level. Beyond teaching, I am passionate about spending time with my family, reading, and watching movies. My background also includes knowledge in child psychology, which aids in delivering personalized and effective teaching strategies.