EDEXCEL GCSE FOUNDATION MATHS - What is the Volume of a Cylinder

Edexcel GCSE Foundation Maths: What is the Volume of a Cylinder?

What is a cylinder?

A cylinder is a 3D shape with two circular ends and a curved surface connecting them. Think of a can of beans or a toilet roll!

What is volume?

Volume is the amount of space a 3D shape takes up. We measure volume in cubic units, like cubic centimetres (cm³) or cubic metres (m³).

How to calculate the volume of a cylinder

To calculate the volume of a cylinder, we use the following formula:

Volume = ?r²h 

where:

• ? (pi) is a mathematical constant approximately equal to 3.14
• r is the radius of the circular base of the cylinder
• h is the height of the cylinder

Example:

Let's say we have a cylinder with a radius of 5 cm and a height of 10 cm. To find its volume, we would do the following:

1. Substitute the values into the formula:

Volume = ? * 5² * 10

1. Calculate the square of the radius:

Volume = ? * 25 * 10

1. Multiply the values together:

Volume = 785.4 cm³ (rounded to 1 decimal place)

Therefore, the volume of the cylinder is 785.4 cm³.

Key points to remember:

• Make sure the radius and height are in the same units before you start calculating.
• Always remember to include the units in your final answer.
• Use the ? button on your calculator for the most accurate result.

Practice questions:

1. A cylinder has a radius of 3 cm and a height of 8 cm. Calculate its volume.
2. A cylindrical water tank has a diameter of 2 metres and a height of 4 metres. Calculate the volume of the tank.

Remember to show your working and include the units in your final answer!