What is the difference between lateral and surface area?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the distinction between lateral area and surface area, which are both concepts in geometry related to the measurement of three-dimensional objects. Lateral area typically refers to the area of the surfaces of a solid excluding the bases, while surface area includes all the outer surfaces of the solid.
Answer
Lateral area includes only the sides, while surface area includes the sides plus the base(s).
Lateral area includes only the sides (lateral faces) of a 3D object, while surface area includes the sides plus the base(s).
Answer for screen readers
Lateral area includes only the sides (lateral faces) of a 3D object, while surface area includes the sides plus the base(s).
More Information
Understanding lateral and surface areas is crucial in geometry, especially when dealing with three-dimensional figures like cylinders, prisms, and pyramids.
Tips
A common mistake is forgetting to include the base(s) in the surface area calculation, which can lead to incorrect results.
Sources
- What is difference between lateral surface area and total ... - Quora - quora.com
- Surface Area - Varsity Tutors - varsitytutors.com
- Lateral & Surface Areas, Volumes - Andrews University - andrews.edu
