Analyze Triangular Prisms to Find Surface Area

This lesson covers the analysis of triangular prisms by examining congruent triangular faces. Key terms such as congruent and parallel are defined. The lesson clarifies misconceptions about prism bases, emphasizing that bases are not always on the bottom. Different types of triangular prisms, including those with equilateral, isosceles, and scalene bases, are explored. The lesson concludes with an analysis of the rectangular faces of these prisms, highlighting how their sizes vary based on the type of triangular base.

What does it mean for two figures to be congruent?

• They have the same size and shape.

• They have the same color.

• They are both 3D figures.

• They are both polygons.

Which of the following is true about the bases of a prism?

• They must always be on the bottom.

• They are always circular.

• They are parallel and congruent.

• They are always triangular.

How do the rectangular faces of a triangular prism with equilateral triangle bases compare?

• Two are congruent, one is different.

• They are all congruent.

• They are all squares.

• They are all different sizes.

What is unique about the rectangular faces of a triangular prism with scalene triangle bases?

• They are all different sizes.

• They are all the same size.

• They are all congruent.

• Two are congruent, one is different.

What is the relationship between the type of triangular base and the rectangular faces in a triangular prism?

• Isosceles bases lead to all different rectangular faces.

• Scalene bases lead to congruent rectangular faces.

• Equilateral bases lead to congruent rectangular faces.

• The base type does not affect the rectangular faces.