Closed Captioned Video: Geometry Applications: 3D Geometry

In this program we explore the properties of three-dimensional figures. We do this in the context of two real-world applications. In the first, we look at the three-dimensional structure of Mayan pyramids. These stair-step structures provide a unique opportunity to also explore sequences and series. In the second application we look at the Shanghai Tower as an example of cylindrically shaped structures.

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Study these animations to learn the basic properties of these 3D figures. In particular, make a note of their sides, edges, and vertices. Look for any symmetries they have. Look for polygon shapes that are familiar. Finally, think of real-world examples that use these  figures.

Below we also include information about Platonic solids and 2D nets of these 3D figures. To get a better understanding of these 3D figures, study these basic forms.

This is part of a series of video animations of three-dimensional figures. These animations show different views of these figures: top, side, and bottom. Many of these figures are a standard part of the geometry curriculum and being able to recognize them is important. Below we also include information about Platonic solids and 2D nets of these 3D figures.

Learn about the Platonic Solids by watching this video. The Platonic Solids include the cube, the tetrahedron, the octahedron, the icosahedron, and the dodecahedron. Each figure is analyzed with a two-dimensional net and then the three-dimensional figure. (Note: The video transcript is also included.)

Properties of 3D Figures

Now that you have seen the video about the Platonic Solids, let's investigate three-dimensional figures in more detail. These figures have certain properties that can be analyzed and categorized.

This is a cube. It is a Platonic Solid, also known as a hexahedron.

The surface of the cube is made up of six faces. Each of the

Where the faces intersect is known as an edge. A cube has twelve edges. Do you see the twelve edges of this cube?

The corners of a three-dimensional figure are known as vertices. A single corner is called a vertex. A cube has eight vertices. Do you see the eight vertices of this cube?

Different three-dimensional figures have different numbers of faces, edges, and vertices. Here is a square pyramid. Do you see the square base of this pyramid? Do you see the four triangular faces?

The square pyramid has 4 faces, 8 edges, and 5 vertices.

Here is an octahedron, which is another of the Platonic solids. The octahedron is like two square pyramids attached at the base.

A square pyramid has 8 faces, 12 edges, and 6 vertices.

This table summarizes these properties for a number of different three-dimensional shapes. This table identifies the three-dimensional figure and tracks the total number of faces, edges, and vertices.

Figure	Name	Faces	Edges	Vertices
	Cube	6	12	8
	Rectangular Prism	6	12	8
	Triangular Prism	5	9	6
	Square Pyramid	5	8	5
	Triangular Pyramid	4	6	4
	Cylinder	2, plus 1 curved surface	2	0
	Sphere	1 curved surface	0	0
	Hexagonal Prism	8	18	12
	Cone	1, plus 1 curved surface	1	1

Using Nets to Understand 3D Figures

What Is a Net?

Now that you have seen these different three-dimensional figures, did you notice many of them had two-dimensional faces? For example, a cube has eight square faces, while a cylinder has two circular sides.

Many three-dimensional figures consist of two-dimensional part. In fact, with many 3D figures, we can break them down into 2D components. This can be done by using a net.

A net is a two-dimensional version of a three-dimensional figure. A printed net can be used to build the 3D model. Here are some examples of nets.

This is the net for a cube. Since each face of the cube is a square, the net for a cube consists of a series of squares that fold into a cube.

This is the net for a triangular prism. Notice how the two triangular faces and the rectangular faces connect. This net will fold into a triangular prism.

This is the net for a square pyramid. Notice how the square base connects with the four triangular bases. This net will fold into a pyramid.

Even circular figures can be modeled with a net. Here is the net for a cylinder. Notice how the circular the circular sides of the cylinder align with the rectangular side.

This animated sequence shows a cube from top to bottom.

Note: The download is an MP4 video file.

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