Primary 6 maths · Measurement & time · About 12 minutes
Relate volume base area and height
Work out the known face first, then divide the volume by it.
Start the interactive lesson →Open practice activity
What you will learn
- Relate volume base area and height
Models used: number sentences, stories, tables.
Before you start
Recover the missing layers
The cuboid contains 36 cubes. Its base is 4 by 3, so each layer contains 12.
Count cubes across a layer, then count the layers. Some cubes are hidden.
The cuboid contains 36 cubes. Its base is 4 by 3, so each layer contains 12.
4 × 3 = 12 cubes per layer
A volume of 60 cm³ on a 5 cm by 4 cm base has height 60 ÷ 20 = 3 cm.
Width 4, height 1, depth 3
Count cubes across a layer, then count the layers. Some cubes are hidden.
Two layers contain 24 cubes. We need one more layer to reach 36.
Width 4, height 2, depth 3
Count cubes across a layer, then count the layers. Some cubes are hidden.
There are three layers, so the height is 3 units.
height = 36 ÷ 12 = 3
Width 4, height 3, depth 3
What did the picture help us see?
There are three layers, so the height is 3 units.
Worked example: A new example, together
A cuboid has volume 30 cm³ and height 2 cm. Find its base area.
| Width | Depth | Height / layers |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 2 |
All dimensions refer to the same unit. Read each value with the heading above its column.
Work out the known face first, then divide the volume by it.
Equal layers connect base area and height with total volume.
All dimensions refer to the same unit Width Depth Height / layers 5 3 2 All dimensions refer to the same unit. Read each value with the heading above its column.
Volume = base area × height.
All dimensions refer to the same unit Width Depth Height / layers 5 3 2 A cuboid has volume 30 cm³ and height 2 cm. Find its base area.
15 cm²
All dimensions refer to the same unit. Read each value with the heading above its column.
Volume = base area × height.
All dimensions refer to the same unit Width Depth Height / layers 5 3 2 All dimensions refer to the same unit. Read each value with the heading above its column.
Base area = 30 ÷ 2.
All dimensions refer to the same unit Width Depth Height / layers 5 3 2 All dimensions refer to the same unit. Read each value with the heading above its column.
Base area = 15 cm².
All dimensions refer to the same unit Width Depth Height / layers 5 3 2 All dimensions refer to the same unit. Read each value with the heading above its column.
Check the result against the question we started with.
15 × 2 = 30.
We found 15 cm². Equal layers connect base area and height with total volume.
All dimensions refer to the same unit Width Depth Height / layers 5 3 2
Common mistakes to discuss
- Dividing by one edge only. Volume is the product of three lengths. With volume 60 cm³ on a 5 cm by 4 cm base, the height is 60 ÷ 20 = 3 cm.
Check your understanding
- Relate volume base area and height
- work back from a volume to a missing dimension
- check the answer against the original quantities and units
Explain your reasoning to an adult, then try a fresh question in the interactive lesson. A result from one attempt is not proof of lasting mastery.
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