Revision guide by The Full Marks
Volume and surface area: what you need to know Volume is the space inside a solid, and surface area is the total area of its outside. Questions on both tiers use cuboids, prisms, cylinders, pyramids, cones and spheres; Higher papers add harder composite solids and frustums, often with answers in terms of π \pi π .
Both tiers need cuboids, prisms, cylinders, pyramids, cones and spheres; the harder composite and frustum questions appear mostly on Higher papers.
Key facts Prism (including a cuboid): volume = = = area of cross-section × \times × length. Cylinder: V = π r 2 h V = \pi r^2 h V = π r 2 h , curved surface area = 2 π r h = 2\pi r h = 2 π r h . A closed cylinder also has two circular ends, so total surface area = 2 π r 2 + 2 π r h = 2\pi r^2 + 2\pi r h = 2 π r 2 + 2 π r h . Pyramid: V = 1 3 × V = \frac{1}{3} \times V = 3 1 × base area × \times × height. Cone: V = 1 3 π r 2 h V = \frac{1}{3}\pi r^2 h V = 3 1 π r 2 h , curved surface area = π r l = \pi r l = π r l (l l l = slant height). Sphere: V = 4 3 π r 3 V = \frac{4}{3}\pi r^3 V = 3 4 π r 3 , surface area = 4 π r 2 = 4\pi r^2 = 4 π r 2 . A hemisphere is half of these (plus a flat circle if it is solid). 1 1 1 cm3 = 1 ^3 = 1 3 = 1 ml and 1000 1000 1000 cm3 = 1 ^3 = 1 3 = 1 litre. 1 1 1 m3 = 1 000 000 ^3 = 1\,000\,000 3 = 1 000 000 cm3 ^3 3 .Surface area List every face or surface of the solid (a net can help). Find the area of each one; use the slant height, not the vertical height, for cones and pyramid triangles. Add them. Include flat faces such as a cone's base or a solid hemisphere's circle; leave out any faces that are joined together or open. Composite solids Split the solid into shapes you know (for example a cone on a hemisphere). Find each volume and add them, or subtract a hole. A frustum is a large cone with a smaller, similar cone cut off the top: frustum volume = = = large cone − - − small cone. If the answer should be 'in terms of π \pi π ', keep π \pi π as a letter throughout. Working backwards from a volume Substitute what you know into the formula. Rearrange to get r 2 r^2 r 2 , r 3 r^3 r 3 or h h h on its own. Square root or cube root if needed. For example, 4 3 π r 3 = 288 π \frac{4}{3}\pi r^3 = 288\pi 3 4 π r 3 = 288 π gives r 3 = 216 r^3 = 216 r 3 = 216 , so r = 6 r = 6 r = 6 . Worked examples Example 1 Foundation · grade 4
A cylindrical water tank has radius 4 4 4 m and height 10 10 10 m. Work out its volume, to 3 significant figures.
Show the solution V = π r 2 h V = \pi r^2 h V = π r 2 h = π × 4 2 × 10 = \pi \times 4^2 \times 10 = π × 4 2 × 10 = 160 π = 502.65 … = 160\pi = 502.65\ldots = 160 π = 502.65 … V = 503 V = 503 V = 503 m3 ^3 3 (3 s.f.)
Example 2 Higher · grade 7
A toy is made from a cone on top of a hemisphere. Both have radius 3 3 3 cm, and the cone's vertical height is 4 4 4 cm. Find the toy's volume and its total surface area, in terms of π \pi π .
Show the solution Cone volume = 1 3 π × 3 2 × 4 = 12 π = \frac{1}{3}\pi \times 3^2 \times 4 = 12\pi = 3 1 π × 3 2 × 4 = 12 π Hemisphere volume = 1 2 × 4 3 π × 3 3 = 18 π = \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{4}{3}\pi \times 3^3 = 18\pi = 2 1 × 3 4 π × 3 3 = 18 π Volume = 30 π = 30\pi = 30 π cm3 ^3 3 Slant height: l = 3 2 + 4 2 = 5 l = \sqrt{3^2 + 4^2} = 5 l = 3 2 + 4 2 = 5 Cone curved surface = π × 3 × 5 = 15 π = \pi \times 3 \times 5 = 15\pi = π × 3 × 5 = 15 π Hemisphere curved surface = 1 2 × 4 π × 3 2 = 18 π = \frac{1}{2} \times 4\pi \times 3^2 = 18\pi = 2 1 × 4 π × 3 2 = 18 π Surface area = 33 π = 33\pi = 33 π cm2 ^2 2 (no flat faces, as they are joined)
Common mistakes Using the diameter as the radius. Halve it first. Using the vertical height instead of the slant height for the curved surface of a cone. Using a whole sphere when the shape is a hemisphere, or mixing cm and m without converting. Leaving out a flat face in a total surface area, such as the circular base of a cone or one end of a closed cylinder. Exam tips When you need the formulae for a cone or sphere they are given in the question. Learn the cuboid, prism, cylinder and pyramid formulae. Don't round until the final answer; rounded middle values can push you outside the accepted range. Questions people ask How do you work out the volume of a cylinder? Find the area of the circle (π r 2 \pi r^2 π r 2 ) and multiply by the height: V = π r 2 h V = \pi r^2 h V = π r 2 h .
What is the difference between volume and surface area? Volume measures the space inside a solid, in cubic units such as cm3 ^3 3 . Surface area is the total area of all its outside faces, in square units such as cm2 ^2 2 .
Exam questions: Volume and surface area (36, easiest first) © Pearson Education Ltd. November 2022 Paper 3 (Foundation, calculator), question 11.
Show answerWorked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Volume = 8 × 5 × 4 = 160 cm 3 = 8 \times 5 \times 4 = 160\text{ cm}^3 = 8 × 5 × 4 = 160 cm 3
Watch out: Adding the lengths or finding surface area instead.
© Pearson Education Ltd. November 2020 Paper 2 (Foundation, calculator), question 11.
Show answerAnswer 600 cm 3 600\text{ cm}^3 600 cm 3 3 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Volume = length × width × height
= 15 × 10 × 4 = 600 = 15 \times 10 \times 4 = 600 = 15 × 10 × 4 = 600
Answer: 600 cm 3 600\text{ cm}^3 600 cm 3
Watch out: Adding the lengths, or giving the units as cm².
© Pearson Education Ltd. November 2024 Paper 1 (Foundation, non-calculator), question 14.
Show answer(a) 5 5 5 2 marks (b) 126 126 126 3 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
(a) Base area = 10 × 4 = 40 = 10 \times 4 = 40 = 10 × 4 = 40 cm², so height = 200 ÷ 40 = 5 = 200 \div 40 = 5 = 200 ÷ 40 = 5 cm
(b) Faces: 6 × 5 = 30 6 \times 5 = 30 6 × 5 = 30 , 6 × 3 = 18 6 \times 3 = 18 6 × 3 = 18 , 5 × 3 = 15 5 \times 3 = 15 5 × 3 = 15
Each appears twice: 2 ( 30 + 18 + 15 ) = 126 2(30 + 18 + 15) = 126 2 ( 30 + 18 + 15 ) = 126 cm²
Watch out: In (b), working out the volume (90) instead.
© Pearson Education Ltd. November 2024 Paper 3 (Foundation, calculator), question 13.
Show answerWorked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Crate in cm: 300 × 100 × 150 300 \times 100 \times 150 300 × 100 × 150
300 ÷ 20 = 15 300 \div 20 = 15 300 ÷ 20 = 15 , 100 ÷ 10 = 10 100 \div 10 = 10 100 ÷ 10 = 10 , 150 ÷ 75 = 2 150 \div 75 = 2 150 ÷ 75 = 2
Boxes: 15 × 10 × 2 = 300 15 \times 10 \times 2 = 300 15 × 10 × 2 = 300
(Check with volumes: 4 500 000 cm 3 ÷ 15 000 cm 3 = 300 4\,500\,000 \text{ cm}^3 \div 15\,000 \text{ cm}^3 = 300 4 500 000 cm 3 ÷ 15 000 cm 3 = 300 boxes)
Watch out: Mixing metres and centimetres without converting.
© Pearson Education Ltd. June 2023 Paper 1 (Foundation, non-calculator), question 22.
Show answerWorked solution Checked against the mark scheme
A cube has 6 equal faces: 150 ÷ 6 = 25 150 \div 6 = 25 150 ÷ 6 = 25 cm²
Edge length: 25 = 5 \sqrt{25} = 5 25 = 5 cm
Volume: 5 × 5 × 5 = 125 5 \times 5 \times 5 = 125 5 × 5 × 5 = 125 cm³
Watch out: Dividing by 4 or cube-rooting 150.
© Pearson Education Ltd. June 2023 Paper 2 (Foundation, calculator), question 14.
Show answerWorked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Change the packet to cm: 8 cm by 6 cm by 2 cm.
Along each edge: 72 ÷ 8 = 9 72 \div 8 = 9 72 ÷ 8 = 9 , 48 ÷ 6 = 8 48 \div 6 = 8 48 ÷ 6 = 8 , 24 ÷ 2 = 12 24 \div 2 = 12 24 ÷ 2 = 12
9 × 8 × 12 = 864 9 \times 8 \times 12 = 864 9 × 8 × 12 = 864
(Check: 82944 ÷ 96 = 864 82944 \div 96 = 864 82944 ÷ 96 = 864 .)
Watch out: Not converting mm to cm, or mixing units in the division.
© Pearson Education Ltd. June 2024 Paper 3 (Higher, calculator), question 9.
Show answerAnswer 10.125 10.125 10.125 cm3 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Cube: 6 3 = 216 6^3 = 216 6 3 = 216 cm³
Pyramid: 1 3 × 8 × 8 × h = 64 3 h \frac13 \times 8 \times 8 \times h = \frac{64}{3}h 3 1 × 8 × 8 × h = 3 64 h
64 3 h = 216 ⇒ h = 216 × 3 64 = 10.125 \frac{64}{3}h = 216 \Rightarrow h = \dfrac{216 \times 3}{64} = 10.125 3 64 h = 216 ⇒ h = 64 216 × 3 = 10.125 cm
Watch out: Forgetting the 1 3 \frac13 3 1 in the pyramid volume, giving h = 3.375 h = 3.375 h = 3.375 .
© Pearson Education Ltd. November 2023 Paper 2 (Foundation, calculator), question 28.
Show answerWorked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Volume = π × 15 2 × 43 = 30 394.9 … cm 3 = \pi \times 15^2 \times 43 = 30\,394.9\ldots\text{ cm}^3 = π × 1 5 2 × 43 = 30 394.9 … cm 3
1000 cm 3 = 1 1000\text{ cm}^3 = 1 1000 cm 3 = 1 litre, so this is 30.3949 … 30.3949\ldots 30.3949 … litres.
Time = 30.3949 ÷ 0.47 = 64.67 … = 30.3949 \div 0.47 = 64.67\ldots = 30.3949 ÷ 0.47 = 64.67 … , so 65 minutes
Watch out: Forgetting to convert cm³ to litres.
© Pearson Education Ltd. June 2022 Paper 1 (Foundation, non-calculator), question 22.
Show answerWorked solution Checked against the mark scheme
The plan is a circle 6 cm across, so the radius is 3 cm.
The front elevation is 5 cm tall, so the height is 5 cm.
V = π r 2 h = π × 3 2 × 5 = 45 π V = \pi r^2 h = \pi \times 3^2 \times 5 = 45\pi V = π r 2 h = π × 3 2 × 5 = 45 π cm³
Watch out: Using the diameter 6 as the radius, giving 180π.
© Pearson Education Ltd. June 2022 Paper 1 (Higher, non-calculator), question 9.
Show answerWorked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Cuboid faces: 2 ( 7 × 5 ) + 2 ( 6 × 5 ) + 2 ( 7 × 6 ) = 70 + 60 + 84 = 214 2(7\times5) + 2(6\times5) + 2(7\times6) = 70 + 60 + 84 = 214 2 ( 7 × 5 ) + 2 ( 6 × 5 ) + 2 ( 7 × 6 ) = 70 + 60 + 84 = 214
Cube faces: 6 × 16 = 96 6 \times 16 = 96 6 × 16 = 96
The join hides one 4 × 4 4 \times 4 4 × 4 face on each solid: 214 + 96 − 2 × 16 = 278 cm 2 214 + 96 - 2 \times 16 = 278\text{ cm}^2 214 + 96 − 2 × 16 = 278 cm 2
Watch out: Adding the two separate surface areas (310) without removing the two hidden 16 cm² faces.
© Pearson Education Ltd. November 2022 Paper 3 (Foundation, calculator), question 24.
Show answerAnswer Yes: about 31.85 litres of fertiliser are needed and she has 32 4 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
One tank: π × 40 2 × 160 ≈ 804 248 cm 3 \pi \times 40^2 \times 160 \approx 804\,248\text{ cm}^3 π × 4 0 2 × 160 ≈ 804 248 cm 3
Four tanks: ≈ 3 216 991 cm 3 ≈ 3217 \approx 3\,216\,991\text{ cm}^3 \approx 3217 ≈ 3 216 991 cm 3 ≈ 3217 litres
Fertiliser is 1 part in 101: 3217 ÷ 101 ≈ 31.85 3217 \div 101 \approx 31.85 3217 ÷ 101 ≈ 31.85 litres
31.85 < 32 31.85 < 32 31.85 < 32 , so yes , she has enough.
Watch out: Dividing by 100 instead of 101, or using the diameter as the radius.
© Pearson Education Ltd. November 2021 Paper 1 (Foundation, non-calculator), question 25.
Show answerWorked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Cross-section area: 750 ÷ 25 = 30 750 \div 25 = 30 750 ÷ 25 = 30 cm²
Triangle area: 1 2 × 5 × h = 30 \frac{1}{2} \times 5 \times h = 30 2 1 × 5 × h = 30
2.5 h = 30 2.5h = 30 2.5 h = 30 , so h = 12 h = 12 h = 12 cm
Watch out: Forgetting the half in the triangle area and getting 6.
© Pearson Education Ltd. November 2021 Paper 1 (Foundation, non-calculator), question 26.
Show answerAnswer 6 x 2 = 36 π 6x^2 = 36\pi 6 x 2 = 36 π , so x = 6 π x = \sqrt{6\pi} x = 6 π (k = 6 k = 6 k = 6 )4 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Cube surface area: 6 x 2 6x^2 6 x 2
Sphere surface area: 4 π × 3 2 = 36 π 4\pi \times 3^2 = 36\pi 4 π × 3 2 = 36 π
6 x 2 = 36 π 6x^2 = 36\pi 6 x 2 = 36 π
x 2 = 6 π x^2 = 6\pi x 2 = 6 π
x = 6 π x = \sqrt{6\pi} x = 6 π , so k = 6 k = 6 k = 6 , an integer.
Watch out: Using only one face of the cube, x 2 = 36 π x^2 = 36\pi x 2 = 36 π .
© Pearson Education Ltd. November 2019 Paper 2 (Foundation, calculator), question 29.
Show answerAnswer No: cube volume 1000 cm³, cuboid volume 864 cm³ 5 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Cuboid surface area: 2 ( 6 × 8 + 6 × 18 + 8 × 18 ) = 2 ( 48 + 108 + 144 ) = 600 cm 2 2(6\times8 + 6\times18 + 8\times18) = 2(48+108+144) = 600\text{ cm}^2 2 ( 6 × 8 + 6 × 18 + 8 × 18 ) = 2 ( 48 + 108 + 144 ) = 600 cm 2
Each cube face: 600 ÷ 6 = 100 600 \div 6 = 100 600 ÷ 6 = 100 , so the side is 100 = 10 \sqrt{100} = 10 100 = 10 cm
Cube volume = 10 3 = 1000 cm 3 = 10^3 = 1000\text{ cm}^3 = 1 0 3 = 1000 cm 3 ; cuboid volume = 6 × 8 × 18 = 864 cm 3 = 6 \times 8 \times 18 = 864\text{ cm}^3 = 6 × 8 × 18 = 864 cm 3
1000 ≠ 864 1000 \ne 864 1000 = 864 , so Janet is not correct.
Watch out: Only adding three faces of the cuboid (300) instead of all six.
© Pearson Education Ltd. June 2019 Paper 2 (Foundation, calculator), question 23.
Show answerWorked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Volume = 30 × 19 × 6 = 3420 cm 3 = 30 \times 19 \times 6 = 3420\text{ cm}^3 = 30 × 19 × 6 = 3420 cm 3
Water = 2 3 × 3420 = 2280 cm 3 = 2280 ml = \frac{2}{3} \times 3420 = 2280\text{ cm}^3 = 2280\text{ ml} = 3 2 × 3420 = 2280 cm 3 = 2280 ml
2280 ÷ 275 = 8.29... 2280 \div 275 = 8.29... 2280 ÷ 275 = 8.29...
Only 8 cups can be completely filled.
Watch out: Rounding 8.29 up to 9 cups.
© Pearson Education Ltd. June 2019 Paper 3 (Foundation, calculator), question 29.
Show answerAnswer No: total area about 39.2 m 2 39.2\text{ m}^2 39.2 m 2 needs about 7.84 tins (8), but the 7 tins cover only 35 m 2 35\text{ m}^2 35 m 2 5 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Radius = 0.8 = 0.8 = 0.8 m
Top and bottom: 2 × π × 0.8 2 = 4.021... 2 \times \pi \times 0.8^2 = 4.021... 2 × π × 0. 8 2 = 4.021...
Curved surface: 2 × π × 0.8 × 1.8 = 9.047... 2 \times \pi \times 0.8 \times 1.8 = 9.047... 2 × π × 0.8 × 1.8 = 9.047...
One tank: 13.069... 13.069... 13.069... m²; three tanks: 39.21 39.21 39.21 m²
Paint covers 7 × 5 = 35 7 \times 5 = 35 7 × 5 = 35 m² < 39.21 < 39.21 < 39.21 , so No , he does not have enough.
Watch out: Using the diameter 1.6 as the radius, or leaving out the top or bottom.
© Pearson Education Ltd. June 2018 Paper 1 (Foundation, non-calculator), question 23.
Show answer(a) Isosceles triangle, base 6 cm, height 4 cm 2 marks (b) 96 cm 2 96\text{ cm}^2 96 cm 2 4 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
(a) From the front you see a triangle: base 6 cm, height 4 cm, apex above the middle of the base.
(b) Each sloping face: 1 2 × 6 × 5 = 15 cm 2 \frac{1}{2} \times 6 \times 5 = 15\text{ cm}^2 2 1 × 6 × 5 = 15 cm 2
Four faces: 4 × 15 = 60 4 \times 15 = 60 4 × 15 = 60 . Base: 6 × 6 = 36 6 \times 6 = 36 6 × 6 = 36
Total = 60 + 36 = 96 cm 2 = 60 + 36 = 96\text{ cm}^2 = 60 + 36 = 96 cm 2
Watch out: Using the vertical height 4 cm instead of the slant height 5 cm for the triangles (giving 84).
© Pearson Education Ltd. June 2018 Paper 1 (Higher, non-calculator), question 5.
Show answer(a) An isosceles triangle with base 6 cm and height 4 cm 2 marks (b) 96 cm 2 96\text{ cm}^2 96 cm 2 4 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
(a) From the front you see a triangle: base 6 cm, height 4 cm, apex above the middle of the base.
(b) Each sloping face is a triangle with base 6 and slant height 5: 1 2 × 6 × 5 = 15 cm 2 \frac{1}{2} \times 6 \times 5 = 15\text{ cm}^2 2 1 × 6 × 5 = 15 cm 2
Base = 6 × 6 = 36 cm 2 = 6 \times 6 = 36\text{ cm}^2 = 6 × 6 = 36 cm 2
Total = 4 × 15 + 36 = 96 cm 2 = 4 \times 15 + 36 = 96\text{ cm}^2 = 4 × 15 + 36 = 96 cm 2
Watch out: Using the vertical height 4 cm instead of the slant height 5 cm for the triangles (giving 84).
© Pearson Education Ltd. June 2018 Paper 2 (Foundation, calculator), question 26.
Show answerAnswer 280 280 280 cm³5 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Base of triangle: 8.4 2 − 7.2 2 = 18.72 = 4.327 \sqrt{8.4^2 - 7.2^2} = \sqrt{18.72} = 4.327 8. 4 2 − 7. 2 2 = 18.72 = 4.327 cm
Triangle area: 1 2 × 4.327 × 7.2 = 15.58 \frac{1}{2} \times 4.327 \times 7.2 = 15.58 2 1 × 4.327 × 7.2 = 15.58 cm²
Volume: 15.58 × 18 = 280.4 ≈ 280 15.58 \times 18 = 280.4 \approx 280 15.58 × 18 = 280.4 ≈ 280 cm³
Watch out: Adding the squares instead of subtracting, or forgetting to halve.
© Pearson Education Ltd. Specimen Paper 1 (Foundation, non-calculator), question 24.
Show answerAnswer Volume 240000 240000 240000 cm³ = 240 = 240 = 240 litres, so 30 bags costing £ 75 £75 £75 , which is more than £70 5 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Volume = 100 × 60 × 40 = 240000 = 100 \times 60 \times 40 = 240000 = 100 × 60 × 40 = 240000 cm³
1 1 1 litre = 1000 = 1000 = 1000 cm³, so that is 240 240 240 litres.
Bags: 240 ÷ 8 = 30 240 \div 8 = 30 240 ÷ 8 = 30
Cost: 30 × £ 2.50 = £ 75 30 \times £2.50 = £75 30 × £2.50 = £75 , which is more than £70, so Sally is wrong.
Watch out: Using 1 litre = 100 cm³, or adding the dimensions instead of multiplying.
© Pearson Education Ltd. June 2024 Paper 3 (Foundation, calculator), question 28.
Show answerAnswer 63 63 63 minutes (accept 62 to 63)4 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Volume = π r 2 h = π × 100 2 × 30 = 942 478 = \pi r^2 h = \pi \times 100^2 \times 30 = 942\,478 = π r 2 h = π × 10 0 2 × 30 = 942 478 cm³
Time = 942 478 ÷ 250 = 3769.9 = 942\,478 \div 250 = 3769.9 = 942 478 ÷ 250 = 3769.9 seconds
3769.9 ÷ 60 = 62.8 3769.9 \div 60 = 62.8 3769.9 ÷ 60 = 62.8 , so about 63 63 63 minutes.
Watch out: Using the diameter or forgetting to square the radius; or giving the time in seconds.
© Pearson Education Ltd. November 2020 Paper 3 (Higher, calculator), question 9.
Show answerAnswer 2820 2820 2820 cm³ (accept 2810 to 2820)5 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
The triangle is isosceles, so split it into two right-angled triangles with base 5 5 5 cm.
Height h = 5 tan 40 ∘ ≈ 4.195 h = 5\tan 40^\circ \approx 4.195 h = 5 tan 4 0 ∘ ≈ 4.195 cm
Cross-section = 10 × 12 + 1 2 × 10 × 4.195 ≈ 140.98 = 10 \times 12 + \frac{1}{2} \times 10 \times 4.195 \approx 140.98 = 10 × 12 + 2 1 × 10 × 4.195 ≈ 140.98 cm²
Volume = 140.98 × 20 ≈ 2819.5 ≈ 2820 = 140.98 \times 20 \approx 2819.5 \approx 2820 = 140.98 × 20 ≈ 2819.5 ≈ 2820 cm³
Watch out: Treating 40° as the apex angle or using 10 instead of 5 as the base of the right-angled triangle.
© Pearson Education Ltd. June 2019 Paper 1 (Higher, non-calculator), question 15.
Show answerAnswer k = 48 k = 48 k = 48 4 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Radius = 6 ÷ 2 = 3 = 6 \div 2 = 3 = 6 ÷ 2 = 3 cm.
Cone: 1 3 π × 3 2 × 10 = 30 π \frac{1}{3} \pi \times 3^2 \times 10 = 30\pi 3 1 π × 3 2 × 10 = 30 π
Hemisphere: 1 2 × 4 3 π × 3 3 = 18 π \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{4}{3} \pi \times 3^3 = 18\pi 2 1 × 3 4 π × 3 3 = 18 π
Total = 48 π = 48\pi = 48 π , so k = 48 k = 48 k = 48 .
Watch out: Using the full sphere, giving 30 π + 36 π = 66 π 30\pi + 36\pi = 66\pi 30 π + 36 π = 66 π , or using 6 as the radius.
© Pearson Education Ltd. November 2019 Paper 2 (Higher, calculator), question 19.
Show answerAnswer 155 cm 3 155\text{ cm}^3 155 cm 3 2 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Radius = 8.4 ÷ 2 = 4.2 = 8.4 \div 2 = 4.2 = 8.4 ÷ 2 = 4.2 cm
Volume = 1 2 × 4 3 π × 4.2 3 = 155.17... = \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{4}{3}\pi \times 4.2^3 = 155.17... = 2 1 × 3 4 π × 4. 2 3 = 155.17...
= 155 cm 3 = 155\text{ cm}^3 = 155 cm 3 (3 s.f.)
Watch out: Using the diameter 8.4 as the radius.
© Pearson Education Ltd. November 2018 Paper 3 (Higher, calculator), question 8.
Show answerWorked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Face areas 15, 27, 45 need edges with pair products 15, 27, 45: the edges are 3, 5 and 9 cm.
Volume of cuboid = 3 × 5 × 9 = 135 = 3 \times 5 \times 9 = 135 = 3 × 5 × 9 = 135 cm3 ^3 3
Volume of one cube = 2.5 3 = 15.625 = 2.5^3 = 15.625 = 2. 5 3 = 15.625 cm3 ^3 3
135 ÷ 15.625 = 8.64 135 \div 15.625 = 8.64 135 ÷ 15.625 = 8.64 , so at most 8 whole cubes.
Watch out: Rounding 8.64 up to 9.
© Pearson Education Ltd. November 2024 Paper 3 (Higher, calculator), question 19.
Show answerWorked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Let height = h = h = h , so r = 3 4 h r = \frac{3}{4}h r = 4 3 h .
l = h 2 + 9 16 h 2 = 5 4 h l = \sqrt{h^2 + \frac{9}{16}h^2} = \frac{5}{4}h l = h 2 + 16 9 h 2 = 4 5 h
Total area = π r l + π r 2 = π ( 15 16 h 2 + 9 16 h 2 ) = 24 16 π h 2 = \pi r l + \pi r^2 = \pi\left(\frac{15}{16}h^2 + \frac{9}{16}h^2\right) = \frac{24}{16}\pi h^2 = π r l + π r 2 = π ( 16 15 h 2 + 16 9 h 2 ) = 16 24 π h 2
3 2 h 2 = 54 ⇒ h 2 = 36 ⇒ h = 6 \frac{3}{2}h^2 = 54 \Rightarrow h^2 = 36 \Rightarrow h = 6 2 3 h 2 = 54 ⇒ h 2 = 36 ⇒ h = 6 cm
Watch out: Leaving out the circular base when finding the total surface area.
© Pearson Education Ltd. November 2023 Paper 3 (Higher, calculator), question 19.
Show answerAnswer 2030 cm 3 2030\text{ cm}^3 2030 cm 3 (2026 to 2030)4 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Small cone: height 10 is 2 3 \frac{2}{3} 3 2 of 15, so its radius is 2 3 × 12 = 8 \frac{2}{3} \times 12 = 8 3 2 × 12 = 8 cm.
Large cone = 1 3 π ( 12 2 ) ( 15 ) = 720 π = \frac{1}{3}\pi(12^2)(15) = 720\pi = 3 1 π ( 1 2 2 ) ( 15 ) = 720 π ; small cone = 1 3 π ( 8 2 ) ( 10 ) = 640 3 π = \frac{1}{3}\pi(8^2)(10) = \frac{640}{3}\pi = 3 1 π ( 8 2 ) ( 10 ) = 3 640 π
Frustum = 720 π − 640 3 π = 1520 3 π = 720\pi - \frac{640}{3}\pi = \frac{1520}{3}\pi = 720 π − 3 640 π = 3 1520 π
Hemisphere = 2 3 π ( 12 3 ) = 1152 π = \frac{2}{3}\pi(12^3) = 1152\pi = 3 2 π ( 1 2 3 ) = 1152 π
S = 1152 π − 1520 3 π = 2027.37... ≈ 2030 cm 3 S = 1152\pi - \frac{1520}{3}\pi = 2027.37... \approx 2030\text{ cm}^3 S = 1152 π − 3 1520 π = 2027.37... ≈ 2030 cm 3
Watch out: Using the diameter 24 as the radius, or using a full sphere instead of a hemisphere.
© Pearson Education Ltd. June 2022 Paper 2 (Higher, calculator), question 17.
Show answer(a) y = 25.9 y = 25.9 y = 25.9 4 marks (b) The height y y y would decrease 1 mark
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
(a) Radius = 3.5 = 3.5 = 3.5 cm. Hemisphere: 2 3 π ( 3.5 ) 3 = 28.583... π \frac{2}{3}\pi(3.5)^3 = 28.583...\pi 3 2 π ( 3.5 ) 3 = 28.583... π
Cone volume = 120 π − 28.583... π = 91.416... π = 120\pi - 28.583...\pi = 91.416...\pi = 120 π − 28.583... π = 91.416... π
1 3 π ( 3.5 ) 2 h = 91.416... π \frac{1}{3}\pi(3.5)^2 h = 91.416...\pi 3 1 π ( 3.5 ) 2 h = 91.416... π gives h = 91.416... ÷ 4.0833... = 22.387... h = 91.416... \div 4.0833... = 22.387... h = 91.416... ÷ 4.0833... = 22.387...
y = h + 3.5 = 25.887... y = h + 3.5 = 25.887... y = h + 3.5 = 25.887... , so y = 25.9 y = 25.9 y = 25.9
(b) With a wider base the same volume needs less height, so y y y would be smaller.
Watch out: Forgetting to add the hemisphere's radius, giving 22.4 (the mark scheme gives a special case of 3 marks for this).
© Pearson Education Ltd. June 2018 Paper 2 (Higher, calculator), question 19.
Show answerAnswer 905 cm 2 905\text{ cm}^2 905 cm 2 (or 288 π 288\pi 288 π )5 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
1 4 × 4 3 π r 3 = 576 π \frac{1}{4} \times \frac{4}{3}\pi r^3 = 576\pi 4 1 × 3 4 π r 3 = 576 π , so r 3 = 1728 r^3 = 1728 r 3 = 1728 and r = 12 r = 12 r = 12
Curved part: 1 4 × 4 π × 12 2 = 144 π \frac{1}{4} \times 4\pi \times 12^2 = 144\pi 4 1 × 4 π × 1 2 2 = 144 π
Two flat semicircles: 2 × 1 2 π × 12 2 = 144 π 2 \times \frac{1}{2}\pi \times 12^2 = 144\pi 2 × 2 1 π × 1 2 2 = 144 π
Total = 288 π = 904.8 ≈ 905 cm 2 = 288\pi = 904.8 \approx 905\text{ cm}^2 = 288 π = 904.8 ≈ 905 cm 2 (3 s.f.)
Watch out: Forgetting the two flat semicircular faces, giving 452 cm².
© Pearson Education Ltd. Specimen Paper 1 (Higher, non-calculator), question 18.
Show answerAnswer 75 π 75\pi 75 π cm²4 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Hemisphere volume: 2 3 π r 3 = 250 3 π \frac{2}{3}\pi r^3 = \frac{250}{3}\pi 3 2 π r 3 = 3 250 π , so r 3 = 125 r^3 = 125 r 3 = 125 and r = 5 r = 5 r = 5 .
Curved surface: 1 2 × 4 π × 5 2 = 50 π \frac{1}{2} \times 4\pi \times 5^2 = 50\pi 2 1 × 4 π × 5 2 = 50 π
Flat face: π × 5 2 = 25 π \pi \times 5^2 = 25\pi π × 5 2 = 25 π
Total: 50 π + 25 π = 75 π 50\pi + 25\pi = 75\pi 50 π + 25 π = 75 π cm²
Watch out: Forgetting to include the flat circular face.
© Pearson Education Ltd. June 2024 Paper 1 (Higher, non-calculator), question 21.
Show answerAnswer 2.5 cm 2.5\text{ cm} 2.5 cm 5 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Volume: 20 w h = 300 20wh = 300 20 w h = 300 , so w h = 15 wh = 15 w h = 15
Surface area: 2 ( 20 w + 20 h + w h ) = 370 ⇒ 40 w + 40 h + 30 = 370 ⇒ w + h = 8.5 2(20w + 20h + wh) = 370 \Rightarrow 40w + 40h + 30 = 370 \Rightarrow w + h = 8.5 2 ( 20 w + 20 h + w h ) = 370 ⇒ 40 w + 40 h + 30 = 370 ⇒ w + h = 8.5
Substitute w = 15 h w = \frac{15}{h} w = h 15 : 15 h + h = 8.5 ⇒ 2 h 2 − 17 h + 30 = 0 \frac{15}{h} + h = 8.5 \Rightarrow 2h^2 - 17h + 30 = 0 h 15 + h = 8.5 ⇒ 2 h 2 − 17 h + 30 = 0
( 2 h − 5 ) ( h − 6 ) = 0 (2h - 5)(h - 6) = 0 ( 2 h − 5 ) ( h − 6 ) = 0 , so h = 2.5 h = 2.5 h = 2.5 or 6 6 6
The width is greater than the height, so h = 2.5 h = 2.5 h = 2.5 cm (and w = 6 w = 6 w = 6 cm)
Watch out: Choosing h = 6 h = 6 h = 6 and ignoring the condition that the width is greater than the height.
© Pearson Education Ltd. June 2023 Paper 3 (Higher, calculator), question 18.
Show answerWorked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Small cone radius: 6 10 × 3 = 1.8 \dfrac{6}{10} \times 3 = 1.8 10 6 × 3 = 1.8 cm
Curved area of frustum = π × 3 × 10 − π × 1.8 × 6 = 19.2 π = 60.3... = \pi \times 3 \times 10 - \pi \times 1.8 \times 6 = 19.2\pi = 60.3... = π × 3 × 10 − π × 1.8 × 6 = 19.2 π = 60.3...
Bottom circle: π × 3 2 = 9 π \pi \times 3^2 = 9\pi π × 3 2 = 9 π ; top circle: π × 1.8 2 = 3.24 π \pi \times 1.8^2 = 3.24\pi π × 1. 8 2 = 3.24 π
Total = ( 19.2 + 9 + 3.24 ) π = 31.44 π = 98.77... = (19.2 + 9 + 3.24)\pi = 31.44\pi = 98.77... = ( 19.2 + 9 + 3.24 ) π = 31.44 π = 98.77... , so 98.8 98.8 98.8 cm²
Watch out: Forgetting one of the two circular faces, often the top one.
© Pearson Education Ltd. November 2022 Paper 1 (Higher, non-calculator), question 24.
Show answer(a) 1 : 4 1 : 4 1 : 4 2 marks (b) 1 : 8 1 : \sqrt{8} 1 : 8 4 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
(a) 4 3 π r 3 = 1 3 π r 2 h ⇒ 4 r = h \frac{4}{3}\pi r^3 = \frac{1}{3}\pi r^2 h \Rightarrow 4r = h 3 4 π r 3 = 3 1 π r 2 h ⇒ 4 r = h , so r : h = 1 : 4 r : h = 1 : 4 r : h = 1 : 4
(b) 4 π r 2 = π r 2 + π r l ⇒ 3 r = l 4\pi r^2 = \pi r^2 + \pi r l \Rightarrow 3r = l 4 π r 2 = π r 2 + π r l ⇒ 3 r = l
l 2 = r 2 + h 2 ⇒ 9 r 2 = r 2 + h 2 ⇒ h 2 = 8 r 2 l^2 = r^2 + h^2 \Rightarrow 9r^2 = r^2 + h^2 \Rightarrow h^2 = 8r^2 l 2 = r 2 + h 2 ⇒ 9 r 2 = r 2 + h 2 ⇒ h 2 = 8 r 2
h = 8 r h = \sqrt{8}\,r h = 8 r , so r : h = 1 : 8 r : h = 1 : \sqrt{8} r : h = 1 : 8
Watch out: In (b), forgetting to include the circular base of the cone.
© Pearson Education Ltd. November 2020 Paper 2 (Higher, calculator), question 18.
Show answerAnswer 160 π 160\pi 160 π 4 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Whole cone: r = 10 r = 10 r = 10 , l = 25 l = 25 l = 25 , so curved surface area = π × 10 × 25 = 250 π = \pi \times 10 \times 25 = 250\pi = π × 10 × 25 = 250 π .
The grey part is a smaller similar cone with slant height 25 − 10 = 15 25 - 10 = 15 25 − 10 = 15 .
Its radius is 10 × 15 25 = 6 10 \times \frac{15}{25} = 6 10 × 25 15 = 6 , so its area is π × 6 × 15 = 90 π \pi \times 6 \times 15 = 90\pi π × 6 × 15 = 90 π .
Unpainted area = 250 π − 90 π = 160 π = 250\pi - 90\pi = 160\pi = 250 π − 90 π = 160 π cm².
Watch out: Using a slant height of 10 for the grey cone instead of 15.
© Pearson Education Ltd. November 2018 Paper 2 (Higher, calculator), question 20.
Show answerAnswer 3.75 3.75 3.75 g/cm³5 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Frustum = 1 3 π ( 3.6 ) 2 ( 6.4 ) − 1 3 π ( 1.8 ) 2 ( 3.2 ) = 76.00 = \frac{1}{3}\pi(3.6)^2(6.4) - \frac{1}{3}\pi(1.8)^2(3.2) = 76.00 = 3 1 π ( 3.6 ) 2 ( 6.4 ) − 3 1 π ( 1.8 ) 2 ( 3.2 ) = 76.00 cm³
Hemisphere = 2 3 π ( 3.6 ) 3 = 97.72 = \frac{2}{3}\pi(3.6)^3 = 97.72 = 3 2 π ( 3.6 ) 3 = 97.72 cm³
Mass = 76.00 × 2.4 + 97.72 × 4.8 = 182.40 + 469.04 = 651.44 = 76.00 \times 2.4 + 97.72 \times 4.8 = 182.40 + 469.04 = 651.44 = 76.00 × 2.4 + 97.72 × 4.8 = 182.40 + 469.04 = 651.44 g
Density = 651.44 173.72 = 3.75 = \frac{651.44}{173.72} = 3.75 = 173.72 651.44 = 3.75 g/cm³
Watch out: Averaging the two densities (3.6) instead of using total mass over total volume.
© Pearson Education Ltd. Specimen Paper 3 (Higher, calculator), question 17.
Show answerAnswer V = 20 736 V = 20\,736 V = 20 736 5 marks
Worked solution Checked against the mark scheme
Radius = 12 x = 12x = 12 x , height = 16 x = 16x = 16 x , so slant height l = ( 12 x ) 2 + ( 16 x ) 2 = 20 x l = \sqrt{(12x)^2 + (16x)^2} = 20x l = ( 12 x ) 2 + ( 16 x ) 2 = 20 x
Curved surface area: π × 12 x × 20 x = 240 x 2 π = 2160 π \pi \times 12x \times 20x = 240x^2\pi = 2160\pi π × 12 x × 20 x = 240 x 2 π = 2160 π , so x 2 = 9 x^2 = 9 x 2 = 9 and x = 3 x = 3 x = 3
So r = 36 r = 36 r = 36 and h = 48 h = 48 h = 48
Volume = 1 3 π × 36 2 × 48 = 20 736 π = \frac{1}{3}\pi \times 36^2 \times 48 = 20\,736\pi = 3 1 π × 3 6 2 × 48 = 20 736 π , so V = 20 736 V = 20\,736 V = 20 736
Watch out: Using the diameter 24x as the radius.
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