3D shapes: Identification and properties
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Explainer Video
Summary
3D shapes: Identification and properties
In a nutshell
3D shapes are also known as solids because they occupy space meaning they can be handled in real life. There are eight main 3D shapes which all have different properties.
Identifying 3D shapes
There are eight common 3D shapes that you need to learn.
| SHAPES | ILLUSTRATION |
| Cube |  |
| Cuboid |  |
| Sphere |  |
| Cylinder |  |
| Square-based pyramid |  |
| Triangular-based pyramid (also known as a tetrahedron) |  |
| Cone |  |
| Triangular prism |  |
Properties of 3D shapes
3D shapes can characterised by three main properties: faces, edges and vertices.
| Property | Definition |
| Face | A flat (2D) surface which is part of the 3D shape |
| Edge | A line where two faces meet |
| Vertex | This is a corner, a point where two or more edges meet. |
Example 1
How many faces, edges and vertices does a cube have?
Draw a transparent cube to show its properties.
Count the number of faces, edges and vertices.
There are faces. These faces meet to create edges. These edges meet to create vertices.
Note: It may be useful to know how to draw each 3D shape.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a vertex of a 3D shape?
The vertex of a 3D shape is a point where 2 or more edges meet.
What is an edge of a 3D shape?
The edge of a 3D shape is a line where two faces meet.
What is the face of a 3D shape?
A face of a 3D shape is a flat (2D) surface.