geometry · Year 5 · AC9M5SP01
Nets of solids
A net is a solid cut open and laid flat. To name the solid, look at the faces. Six equal squares make a cube; six rectangles in matching pairs make a rectangular prism. Two matching end shapes joined by a strip of rectangles make a prism, named after the end shape: two triangles and three rectangles make a triangular prism. One base with triangles all round it makes a pyramid, named after its base. Two circles and a rectangle make a cylinder; one circle and a curved fan make a cone. Name the solid, not a flat face.
Sample questions
Which solid does this net fold up to make? Choose from: cube, rectangular prism, triangular prism, square pyramid.
- The net has 1 square and 4 triangles.
- The triangles fold up to meet at one point above the square base, so it is a pyramid.
- It is a square pyramid.
Answer: square pyramid
Which solid does this net fold up to make? Choose from: cube, rectangular prism, triangular prism, square pyramid.
- The net has 6 rectangles, in matching pairs of different sizes.
- Six rectangular faces in pairs fold up to make a rectangular prism.
- It is a rectangular prism.
Answer: rectangular prism
Which solid does this net fold up to make? Choose from: cube, rectangular prism, triangular prism, square pyramid.
- The net has 6 squares, all the same size.
- Six equal square faces fold up to make a cube.
- It is a cube.
Answer: cube