SOOFIA INSTRUCTIONAL

MATERIAL
GRADE 9 MATHEMATICS
CHAPTER 4: Volume of Prisms and Cylinders ………………………………………………………… 31 -
40

4.0 Background Knowledge

4.1 Definition of Terms: 2D and 3D
4.2 Prisms
4.3 Cylinders
4.4 Area of Shapes.
4.5 Volume of Shapes
4.6 Deriving Formula for Volume of Prisms and Cylinders
4.7 Test Yourself Questions

CHAPTER 5: Surface Area of Shapes …………………………………………………………………….… 41 -

54

5.0 Background Knowledge

5.1 Definition of Term: Net of 3D Shapes
5.2 Surface Area of 3D Shapes
5.3 Test Yourself Questions

CHAPTER 6: Polygon (Interior Angles) ………………………………………………………………..… 55 -

63

6.0 Description of Polygon

6.2 Naming Polygon
6.3 Type of Polygon: Regular Polygon
6.4 Introduction: Interior and Exterior Angles of Polygon
6.5 Sum of Interior Angles of a Polygon
6.6 Derive Formula for Sum of Interior Angles of Polygon
6.7 Test Yourself Question
Learning Objectives

In this section, the learning objective shall be to :

• Use knowledge of area and volume to derive and use the formula for
the volume of prisms and cylinders.
This means at the end of this unit, you should be able to:

• Use the derived formula for volume to work out problems associated
with volume of prisms and cylinders.

4.0 Background Knowledge

From the previous knowledge, you already learn about:

• 2D shapes and how to work out areas of 2D shapes.

• 3D shapes. To be very précised, you already know how to identify and
describe 3D shapes, and already you know that a prism is a 3D shape.

Here, the objective specifically requires us to

• derive formula for the volume of prisms and cylinders and

• use the formula to calculate the volume of prisms and cylinders.

For better understanding of this objective, your knowledge of areas of 2D

shapes and of 3D shapes becomes a prerequisite.
4.1 Definition of Terms

Let us begin this section by defining the key terms in the objective:

4.11 Three-Dimensional Shapes

Three-Dimensional Shapes (3D) are shapes that can be measured in 3

directions, which are length, width (breadth) and height (depth or thickness).
These are the three measurement of 3D shapes, hence the name 3D shapes.
They are also called solid or closed shapes.

Examples are: cuboid, cube, cylinder, sphere, cone e.tc.

A 3D shape is bounded or surrounded on all its sides by plane faces.

Cuboid Cube Cylinder

• A cuboid for instance is bounded by rectangles.

• A cube is bounded by squares.
• A cylinder by 2 circles and a curved surface.
4.12 Two-Dimensional Shapes

Two-Dimensional (2D) shapes on the other hand, are flat object having length
and width (breadth) but no height (depth or thickness), hence the name 2D
shapes.

Examples are: squares, rectangles, circle, and all quadrilateral (4 sided-shapes)

e.t.c.

rectangle triangle trapezium parallelogram circle square

Note: 2D shapes are bounded or surrounded by lines.

4.2 Prisms

A prism is a 3D shape or solid shape bounded on all sides by plane faces.

Prisms may therefore be regarded as another name for 3D shapes (solid

shapes). However, not all solids are prisms.

A prism has two identical faces that are equal and parallel. The faces are called
bases or uniform cross-section.

Cuboids, cubes, cylinders, triangular prisms are solids with uniform-cross

section. They are therefore prisms.

Here is a triangular prism with the two identical faces (equal and parallel)

base (uniform cross section)

base (uniform cross section)

But Cones, pyramids, though are solids, do not have uniform cross section or
base. They are therefore not prisms.

Note:

• All prisms are solids (3D) but not all solids (3D) are prisms.

The bases of prisms therefore have a uniform cross-sectional area or call it base
area.

A prism is named after the shape of these bases or cross section.

For instance,

• A prism whose bases are triangle is called a triangular prism,

• While the one with trapezium as base is called a trapezoidal prism and
son on.

Prism is therefore generally used to describe a 3D or solid shape that has a

uniform cross-sectional area (base area).

Refer to the diagrams under diagram 3D shapes for examples.

4.3 Cylinders

A cylinder is a 3D (or solid shape or prism) consisting of two identical (equal

and parallel) circular bases joined together by a curved surface.

Circular base (top)

Height Curved surface

Circular base (bottom)

A cylinder is therefore a prism with three faces:

• The two circular faces and

• A curved (rectangular) face

Note:

• The two circular faces formed the bases of a cylinder,

• A cylinder therefore has circular bases.

A cylinder is therefore a prism whose cross-sectional area (base area) is a

circle.

4.4 Area of a Shape

Area of a shape is the region or space occupied (or take up) by a flat or plane
shape.

It may otherwise be regarded as the space enclosed by the boundary of a flat or

plane shape. The boundary of such a shape is made up at least three sides joined
together.

For instance,

• below is a rectangle with four boundaries and the space it takes up or

occupies on your paper or screen is its area.
Area of a shape is therefore a 2D quantity and is measured in square units such
as 𝑐𝑚2 , 𝑚2 e.t.c.

4.5 Volume of a Shape

In Mathematics, the volume is the amount of space in 3D objects.

In other words, we only find volume of 3D shapes such cylinder, cuboid, cube
and so on.

For instance,

• the amount of quantity that occupies a cylinder or that is in a cylinder is

its volume.
• The same applies to other 3D shapes.

The unit of volume is in cubic units such as 𝑚3 , 𝑐𝑚3 e.t.c.

Note:

• Volume is also referred to as capacity.

4.6 Deriving the Formula for Volume of a Prism

A prism, being a 3D or solid shape, can be filled up or occupied.

The volume of a prism is therefore the space that is occupied.

Remember that,

• prisms are bounded by faces on all sides and

• two of the faces known as bases are equal and parallel.
• These bases have uniform cross section
 Therefore for any prism, the volume equals base area (cross sectional area)
𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎
multiplied by its height (or length) i.e. the formula for working out:
= 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒂 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒆 (𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒂 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏) × 𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 (𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉)

It therefore means that, to derive the volume of any prism,

• First identify the base of the prism (what it is

made up),
• Then find its area-if the base is identified as a
circle for instance, find the area of the circle.
• Then multiplied the base area with the height or
length of the shape.

Let us for instance derive the formula for the volume of a cylinder

𝜋𝑟 2
A cylinder as shown has circular bases (or its bases are
circles), so let us find the area of its base (area of a circle):

• By formula, area of a circle (its base) = 𝝅𝒓𝟐

h height, h • Its height is 𝒉
• Therefore,

The volume 𝒗 of this cylinder = 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒂 ×

𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕

2
𝒗 = 𝝅𝒓𝟐 × 𝒉
𝜋𝑟
𝒗 = 𝝅𝒓𝟐 𝒉
Activity:

Follow the process and show that the volume 𝑣 of this cube = 𝑙 3 (show clearly
your derivation).

Hence find the volume if the length is 6cm3.

4.7 Test Yourself Questions

1. Work out the volume of the cylinder. Give your answer in the nearest whole
number.
2. Find the volume of a triangular prism if the base area of the prism is 5𝑐𝑚2
and its height is 2𝑐𝑚.

3. Angela work out the volume of the cylinder as shown:

Area of a cylinder = 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ

= 𝜋 × 20 × 20 × 10

= 12566.4 (1 𝑑. 𝑝. )

a. Did Angela got the answer right?

b. If your answer to part a is no, it means she got it wrong.
c. Explain the mistake she had made.
d. Then work out the correct answer .
4. A rectangular prism of volume 84𝑚𝑚3 has a cross sectional area 12𝑚𝑚2 .
Work out the length of this cylinder.

5. Find the volume of each shape. Where necessary, give your answer in the
nearest whole number.

6. Derive the formula for the volume of this triangular prism.

Learning Objectives

In this section, our learning objective shall be to :

• Use knowledge of area, and properties of cubes, cuboids, triangular

prisms, pyramids and cylinders to calculate their surface area.
This means at the end of this unit, you should be able to:

• Use your knowledge of area and properties of 3D shapes, to work out

the surface area of cubes, cuboids, triangular prisms, pyramids and
cylinders.

5.0 Background Knowledge

Previously,

• You have learnt properties of shapes, one of which is how to draw the net
of cubes, cuboids, pyramids and triangular prisms.
• You have as well learnt how to work out the area of shapes such as
squares, rectangles, triangles and circles.
• Also, you have learnt how to work out the surface area of 3D shapes such
as cubes, cuboids, triangular prisms and pyramids using their nets.

Here, in this section, we shall be working out the surface areas of all the
aforementioned 3D shapes, including the surface area of cylinders using the
same method you have learnt.

As you can see, your previous knowledge is prerequisite for better

understanding of this objective.
5.1 Definition of Terms: Net of a 3D Shapes

The net of a 3D shape in geometry is defined as a pattern that can be cut and
folded to make a model of a solid shape.

It is a term that is used to describe what a 3D shape would look like if it was
opened out and laid flat.

It is important to state that a net is a 2D shape-a “2D shape folded to form a 3D

shape or a solid.

We therefore use net in Mathematics to describe a 3D or solid shape opened

out flat to show each face of the solid.

It is valuable aid when working out the surface area of a 3D shape.

Activity:

• Unfold a match box to as an example of a net (net of a cuboid).

5.2 Surface Area of 3D or Solid Shapes

• Remember, 3D or solid shapes are bounded by faces.

• Therefore, the total area of all the faces of a 3D or solid shape is its surface
area.

In other word, to work out the surface area of any shape, the idea is to find:

• The area of all its faces first and then

• Add them together.

𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒂 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒆 = 𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒂 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒔

 5.21 Surface Area of a Cuboid

A cuboid is a rectangular 3D solid. In other words, a cuboid has 3 dimensions:

length, width and height, all of which are different.

A cuboid is surrounded or bounded by 6 faces. The opposite faces of a cuboid

are said to be equal.

Calculating the Surface Area of a Cuboid

Being a 3D shape, the surface area of a cuboid is the sum of the areas of its 6
faces.

Here is a cuboid and its surface area will be as shown:

Since the opposite faces of a cuboid are equal, then we say:

• Area of the top face (ABCD) + Area of the bottom face (EFGH)
• Area of the left face (DAEH) + Area of the right face (CBFG)
• Area of the front face (ABEF)+ 𝑨rea of the back face (DCGH)

All these added together gives area of the cuboid.

 Area of top face + Area of bottom
face = 𝑙𝑤 + 𝑙𝑤

Are of left face + right face =

𝑤ℎ + 𝑤ℎ

Area of front face + back face =

𝑙ℎ + 𝑙ℎ
Note: The formula for the surface
Therefore, surface area of the
area of a cuboid is one but
cuboid = (𝒍𝒘 + 𝒍𝒘) + (𝒘𝒉 +
expressed in three forms. Any may
𝒘𝒉) + (𝒍𝒉 + 𝒍𝒉)
be used to calculate the surface
area of a cuboid. It can be simplified as:

However, it is advisable to use the SA = 𝟐𝒍𝒘 + 𝟐𝒘𝒉 + 𝟐𝒍𝒉

most simplified one i.e.
SA = 𝟐(𝒍𝒘 + 𝒘𝒉 + 𝒍𝒉)
Note: the abbreviation:
means Surface Area
Or further simplified as:
SA = 𝟐(𝒍𝒘 + 𝒘𝒉 + 𝒍𝒉)
‘SA’
Where 𝑙, 𝑤 and ℎ represent the 3
dimensions length, width and
height.

flied one i.e.

Note:

• The surface area of a shape depends on its faces.

• It will be easier to find the surface area of a shape by first drawing its net.

Activity:

Use the three formula to find the surface area of the cuboid below.

Conclude at the end of this activity, which of the three you find much easier to
use.
5.22 Surface Area of a Cube

A cube is a 3D shape similar to a cuboid, except that all its dimensions (length,
width and height) are equal, so are all its 6 faces.

A cube therefore has 6 faces that are equal. Below is a figure of a cube and its
net.

Formula for Calculating Surface Area of a Cube

1. Since a cube has 6 faces that are equal, it therefore means each face is a
square.

We can therefore say that a cube has 6 square faces as shown above.

2. Since area of a square (its base)

 = 𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉 × 𝒘𝒊𝒅𝒕𝒉

= 𝒂 × 𝒂 = 𝒂𝟐

Area of a square = 𝑎2

3. Therefore, the surface area of a cube will be equal to the sum of areas of all
the 6 square faces.

Surface Area of a Cube = 𝟔 × 𝒍𝟐

Activity:

Here is an activity that requires you to calculate the surface area of this cube.
5.23 Surface Area of a Cylinder

A cylinder is a 3D shape with 2 circular faces and a curved face.

The surface area of a cylinder is therefore the sum of the areas of the 2 circular
faces and the curved face.

Areas of the 2 circular faces + the area of the

curved face.

Formula for Calculating the Surface Area of Cylinder

Below is a cylinder of radius 3cm and height 5cm and its net.

circular top

3cm rectangle

5cm circular bottom

Net of the cylinder

 The surface area of the cylinder is area of its net: height

• Area of circle plus 2𝜋𝑟

• area of rectangle plus
• area of circle

The formula is as shown:

𝝅𝒓𝟐 + 𝒍𝒘 + 𝝅𝒓𝟐
Let’s us find the surface area of the
Where 𝒍𝒘 =
cylinder above
𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒂 𝒐𝒇 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 = 𝟐𝝅𝒓𝒉
SA = 𝟐𝝅𝒓𝟐 + 𝟐𝝅𝒓𝒉
∴ 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒂 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒚𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓
= 𝝅𝒓𝟐 + 𝟐𝝅𝒓𝒉 + 𝝅𝒓𝟐 = (𝟐𝝅 × 𝟑𝟐 ) + (𝟐 × 𝟑 × 𝟓 × 𝝅)
= 𝟐𝝅𝒓𝟐 + 𝟐𝝅𝒓𝒉 = (2𝝅 × 𝟗) + (𝟐 × 𝟑𝟓 × 𝝅)
Note: the formula be simplified or written as: = 𝟏𝟖𝝅 + 𝟑𝟎𝝅
= 𝟐(𝝅𝒓𝟐 + 𝝅𝒓𝒉) = 𝟒𝟖𝝅
Or further simplified or written as: • Press the 𝜋 button to get the
exact answer
= 𝟐𝝅𝒓(𝒓 + 𝝅𝒉)

Note:

The formula for the Surface area of a cylinder is one formula written in three
different forms. Any may be used.

However, 𝟐𝝅𝒓(𝒓 + 𝝅𝒉) may be easier as it is in the simplest form.

5.24 Surface Area of a Pyramid

Below is an example of a pyramid, it is a square-based pyramid. Like any solid,

the surface area will be the sum of the areas of all its faces (net).

As shown by its net,

• It has 4 triangles and a square

• So its surface area will be:

𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒂 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝟒 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆𝒔

+ 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒂 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒆

The its surface area can therefore be found as

follow:

Area of a triangle:
1 1
= 𝑏ℎ = × 4 × 3 = 6𝑐𝑚2
2 2
Since the triangles are 4, then

Area of all the 4 triangles

= 4 × 6𝑐𝑚2 = 24𝑐𝑚2

Area of the square

= 𝑏ℎ = 4 × 4 = 16𝑐𝑚2

Therefore, the total surface area of this pyramid

= 24𝑐𝑚2 + 16𝑐𝑚2 = 40𝑐𝑚2

Formula for Calculating Surface Area of a Pyramid

Please note that you can as well find the surface area of a prism by the formula
below.

Where:

• 𝐴 is the area of the base,

• 𝑝 is the perimeter of the base and
• 𝑠 is the slant height.

Activity:

So, use this formula to find the surface area of the pyramid in the previous
example.

You do not need to be told that your answer must be 40𝑐𝑚2 . Get to work then!
5.25 Surface Area of a Triangular Prism

The surface area of a triangular prism is the sum of the areas of its faces.

Here is a triangular prism and its net.

It means its surface area will be:

Areas of the three rectangular faces + the areas of the two

triangular faces

Let’s calculate the surface area of the triangular prism given below:

1 1
• Area of the triangular front face = 𝑏ℎ = × 3 × 4 = 6𝑐𝑚2
2 2
• Area of the triangular back face = area of the triangular front face =
6𝑐𝑚2 .
• Area of the rectangular right face = slant height × length = 5 × 9 =
45𝑐𝑚2 .
 • Area of the rectangular left face = vertical height × length = 4 × 9 =
36𝑐𝑚2 .
• Area of the rectangular bottom = 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ × length = 3 × 9 = 27𝑐𝑚2 .

Therefore the total surface area = 6 + 6 + 45 + 36 + 27 = 120𝑐𝑚2

Formula for Calculating the Surface Area of a Triangular Prism

𝑺𝑨 = 𝟐𝑩 + 𝒑𝒍

With the above formula, you can as well calculate the surface area of a
triangular prism.

Where:

• B is the area of the base (area of the triangular face)

• 𝑝 is the perimeter of the base (perimeter of the triangular face) and
• 𝑙 is the length of the prism

Activity:

Now, use the formula to find the surface area of the triangular in example above.
Wait a minute; you already know the answer before you start. That is interesting!
Then try it until you get it right.

Name of Solid Total Surface Area

Cube 6𝑎2

Cuboid 2(𝑙𝑤 + 𝑤ℎ + 𝑙ℎ)

Cylinder 2𝜋𝑟(𝑟 + ℎ)

Pyramid 1
𝐴 + 𝑝𝑠
2
Triangular Prism 2𝐵 + 𝑝𝑙
5.3 Test Yourself Questions

1. Find the surface area of each prism. Use 𝜋 = 3.14.

2a. Show that the area of cylinder in the above example can be written as:

2𝜋𝑟(𝑟 + ℎ)

b. Use the formula to work out the surface area of the cylinder below.
Give your answer correct to 2 s.f.

3. Since a cube has 6 faces that are equal, Zainab works out the surface
area of a cube of length 8cm as shown:

𝑆𝐴 = 6 × 8 = 48𝑐𝑚2
 a. To show that Zainab is incorrect, find the surface area of this cube.
b. Help Zainab with the mistake she made.

1. Remember, a net is a valuable aid when working out the surface area
of shapes. Match each of these solids to its net.

5a. Find the surface area of this pyramid.

b. Describe how this pyramid different from a triangular prism.

6. Work out the surface area of the triangular prism.

Learning Objectives

The objectives in this section are the following:

• Derive and Use a Formula for the Sum of the Interior Angles of a
Polygon.

• Work out the Interior Angles of a Regular Polygons.

This means at the end of this unit, you should be able to:

• Use the derived formula to work out the sum of interior angles of a
polygon

Note:

• These objectives require your knowledge of sum of angles of a triangle

6.0 Description of Polygon

A polygon is a closed figure that is bounded by at least three straight lines.

The description of polygon of course should have suggested to you that triangle
is a polygon. Isn’t it? It also suggests that a polygon may have more than three
sides. So, Any shape that fit into this description is a polygon.

6.1 Naming Polygon

Note that a polygon is named by the number of sides it has. We have just said
that a figure bounded with three lines is a triangle.

The table below shows the number of sides of polygons and their names.

Number of Sides Name of Polygon

3 Triangle

4 Quadrilateral

5 Pentagon

6 Hexagon

7 Heptagon

8 Octagon

9 Nonagon

10 Decagon

6.2 Types of Polygon

It is important to know that there are different types of polygon. However, for
your level, only regular polygon is required. So, in this section we shall only be
dealing with “regular polygon.”
Regular Polygon

This is a type of polygon where all sides and all angles are equal.

6.3 Introduction: Interior and Exterior Angles of a Polygon

Interior angles of a polygon are the angles within the polygon.

While the exterior angles of a polygon are the angles outside the polygon.

However in the section we shall limit the study to the interior angles of a
polygon, of a regular polygon to be précised.

6.4 Sum of Interior Angles of a Polygon

As stated earlier, interior angles of a polygon are the angles within the polygon,
while the sum of the interior angles in a polygon is the total amount of angles
from the addition of all the angles of a particular polygon.

The number of interior angles in a polygon depends on the number of sides the
polygon has.

For instance,

• A triangle is a polygon with 3 sides, therefore has 3 angles.

• An hexagon has 6 sides; it will therefore have 6 angles.

This means that the sum of interior angles in a polygon will depend on the
number of angles i.e.

• The sum of interior angles in a triangle will be the sum of the three angles
in a triangle.
• While the sum of interior angles in a hexagon will be the sum of the 6
angles it has.

It is therefore very clear that the sum of interior angles in polygons will differ,
depending on the number of angles a polygon has.
For this reason, it is then necessary for us to derive a formula which we can use
to work out the sum of the interior angles of any polygon.

6.5 Derive a Formula for Interior Angles of a Polygon

Activity 1: Let us use the following activity to derive the formula for the interior
angles of a polygon.

• Draw a pentagon of your choice in your book.

• How many sides have the pentagon you have drawn?
• Divide the pentagon into triangles by drawing a diagonal from
one vertex.
• How many triangles do you have?
• What can you say about the number of sides and the number of
triangles of the pentagon you have drawn?

Activity 2: Let us do the same activity for a heptagon.

• Draw a heptagon of your choice in your book.

• How many sides have the heptagon?
• Divide the heptagon into triangles by drawing diagonals from
one vertex.
• How many triangles do you have?
• What can you say about the number of sides and the number of
triangles of the heptagon you have drawn?

From these two activities, you must have observed that:

• Any polygon can be divided into triangles by drawing diagonals from one
vertex.
• The number of triangles of a polygon is always two less than the number
of sides or the number of sides of a polygon is always two more than the
number of its triangles.
Number of side of a Number of Polygon Number of Triangle
polygon

Triangle 3 1

Quadrilateral 4 2

Pentagon 5 3

Hexagon 6 4

Heptagon 7 5

Octagon 8 6

Nonagon 9 7

Decagon 10 8

We can use this to derive the formula for the sum of the interior angles of a
polygon as shown:

Formula 1

From activity 1, by drawing the diagonal, you must have divided the pentagon
into three triangles as shown:
 • Each triangle has 3 angles.
• Therefore, 3 triangles will have 9 angles
• Adding these 9 angles together will give the sum of the interior angles of
the pentagon.

We can then derive a formula for this by saying:

• The sum of angles in a triangle is 1800 ,

• The sum of angles in 3 triangles will be:

𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒𝑠 × 1800

So for the pentagon, it will be

𝑖. 𝑒. 3 × 1800 = 5400

• Therefore, the sum of the interior angles of a pentagon equals 5400 (sum
of the 6 angles together).

In the same manner,

From the activity 2,

• The hexagon must have been divided into 4 triangles as shown:

 • Each of the 4 triangles has 3 angles.
• Therefore, the 4 triangles will have 12 angles.
• Adding all the 12 angles together gives us the sum of angles in a hexagon.

We can then derive a formula for this by saying:

• The sum of angles in a triangle is 1800 ,

• The sum of angles in 4 triangles will be:

𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒𝑠 × 1800

4 × 1800 = 7200

So, the sum of the interior angles of a hexagon equals 7200 (sum of all the angles
together).

With this we can find the sum of interior angles of any polygon by this formula:

• First, determine how many sides the polygon has.

• Then the number of triangles will be two less than the
number of sides it has
• The sum of the interior angles will be:

𝒏𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 × 𝟏𝟖𝟎𝟎

Example

What is the sum of the interior angle of a nonagon?

• A nonagon has 9 sides

• It will therefore has 7 triangles
• Then sum of its interior angles will be:

𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒𝑠 × 1800

7 × 180 = 12600
Formula 2

Take the number of sides of a polygon as 𝑛 and work out:

a. The number of triangles of this polygon

b. The sum interior angles of this polygon

Question a: The number of triangles of this polygon

From the activities we have carried out earlier, we expect the number triangles
of the polygon to be two less than the number of its sides.

Therefore, to answer question a, we say:

• The number of triangle of the polygon will be 𝑛 − 2 (we subtract 2 from

number of sides 𝑛. It makes sense I think).

Question b: The sum interior angles of this polygon

Also, from the activities, we know that:

Sum of interior angles of a polygon = 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 × 1800

And remember, from question a, we obtained 𝑛 − 2 as the number of triangles

of this polygon. We can substitute 𝑛 − 2 for our number of triangles in the
formula, then we have:

Sum of interior angles of a polygon = (𝒏 − 𝟐) × 𝟏𝟖𝟎𝟎

Where 𝑛 represent the number of sides of the polygon.

We this formula, you can as well work out the sum of interior angles of a
polygon having already known the number 𝑛 of its sides.

Let find the sum of the interior angles in the previous example using this
formula.

Here is the question again:

What is the sum of the interior angle of a nonagon?

 • A nonagon has 9 sides i.e. 𝑛 = 9

The sum of the interior angles of this nonagon = (𝑛 −

2) × 1800

7 × 180 = 12600

Here is another example:

a. Work out the sum of the interior angles of a regular octagon.

b. What is the size of each interior angle of this polygon?

Question a

Formula 1 Formula 2

• The polygon being an octagon

• The polygon being an octagon
has 8 sides.
has 8 sides.
• Its number of triangles will
therefore be 6 (2 less than Therefore the sum of the interior
number of sides). angles of this polygon
c. Work out the size of each angle
Therefore the sum of the interior = (𝑛 − 2) × 1800
d.
angles
e. of this polygon = (8 − 2) × 1800
= f.𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟
regular𝑜𝑓octagon.
𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 × 1800
= 6 × 1800 = 10800
Question
= 6b× 1800 = 10800
 • Since this polygon is a regular octagon with 8 angles.
• And remember, in a regular polygon, all the angles are the same size.

So the size of each angle of the regular octagon =

𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒𝑠

𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒𝑠
10800
= = 1450
8

6.6 Test Yourself Questions

1. What is the ninth angle of a nonagon if the others are each 1240 .

2. The angles of a hexagon are 𝑧 0 , (𝑧 + 25)0 , (𝑧 + 35)0 , (𝑧 + 45)0 and (𝑧 +

54)0 .

Work out the value 𝑧.

3. Three angles of a pentagon are 1400 each. If the two remaining angles are
equal, work out the size of each.

4. Find the missing angle in the following:

Having known about the interior angles of a polygon and having learnt how to
work out the sum of the interior angles of a polygon and of regular polygon,
there is need to learn about the exterior angles of a polygon.

Learning Objectives

So the objectives in this section are to learn:

• About the sum of the exterior angles of a polygon. To know that the sum
of the exterior angles of any polygon is 3600 .
• To work out and use the exterior angles of regular polygon.
This means at the end of this unit, you should be able to:

• Work out relating to the exterior angles of a polygon and of regular

polygon.

7.0 Sum of Exterior Angles of a Polygon

Earlier in the just concluded topic, it was made clear that every polygon has
both the interior and the exterior angles.

Also, it was stated that the exterior angles of a polygon are the angles outside a
polygon. Or better still, you may say angles surrounding a polygon.

These angles, the exterior angles of a polygon, are formed by extending each
side of the polygon.
Activity:

Here is an activity for you.

• Draw any polygon,

• Then extend its sides to form the exterior angles.
• How many angles have you formed?

If you have done it correctly, you must have obtained the same number of
external angles as the number of side of you have extended. This means:

• If your polygon has 4 sides, then its exterior angles are 4.

• If its sides are 10, so are its exterior angles and so on.

If that is the case, you have done well. Give yourself a thumb up. If not, try it
again and again until you get it and give yourself a thumb up afterward.

Activity:

Now, you need to continue with the activity:

• Try to choose a point on your polygon. Label the point S.

• Then assuming you are moving (clockwise or anticlockwise) from the point S
and move round the polygon and come back to point S.
By the time you arrive back at S, you would have complete a circle.

• And the sum of the angle in a circle= 3600.

• This means all your exterior angles= 𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎 .

I hope you are ok with that.

Let us expatiate on this using the diagram below.

• It’s a hexagon and it exterior angles are 𝑎0 , 𝑏 0 , 𝑐 0 , 𝑑 0 , 𝑒 0 and 𝑓 0 (the

angles denoted with small red colour).
• They are each formed by extending the corresponding sides.
• This then means that:

𝒂𝟎 + 𝒃𝟎 + 𝒄𝟎 + 𝒅𝟎 + 𝒆𝟎 + 𝒇𝟎 = 𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎

We may therefore conclude that:

The sum of the exterior angles on any polygon

= 𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎
7.1 Regular Polygon

1. For a regular polygon, all the exterior angles are equal.

2a. Also, with the formula below, you can work out the number of sides of a
regular polygon if you are given the size of one of the exterior angles.

𝒔𝒖𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆𝒔

𝒏=
𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆

Where 𝑛 is the number of sides of the polygon.

2b. If on the other hand you are given the numbers of sides of a regular polygon,
you may as well work out the exterior angle of the polygon with the formula:

𝒔𝒖𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆𝒔

𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 =
𝒏
Where 𝑛 is the number of sides of the polygon

3. It is also important to note that one exterior angle of a regular polygon

together with the adjacent interior angle add up to 𝟏𝟖𝟎𝟎 .

Reason being that the two angles form angles on a straight line, hence add up
to1800 .
One blue angle and one red angle are on a straight therefore add up to 1800 .

𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 + 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒅𝒋𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 = 𝟏𝟖𝟎𝟎

1. Work out the missing external angle.

Here is a quadrilateral.

Remember, a quadrilateral has 4 interior angles that add

up to 3600 (sum of interior angles in a quadrilateral).

In this case, two of the angles are given,

In order to find 𝑥 0 , we first need to find the third, which

is the interior angle that is adjacent to 1210 (exterior
angle).

𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑟𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 + 1210 = 1800 (angle on a

straight line)

Therefore,
𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑟𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 = 1800 − 1210 = 590

We can now work out the value 𝑥 0 , saying:

840 + 1000 + 590 + 𝑥 0 = 3600

2430 + 𝑥 0 = 3600

𝑥 0 = 3600 − 2430 = 1170

2. A regular polygon has an exterior angle that is equal to 120 .

a. Work out the number of sides it has.

Let us use the formula:

𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒𝑠 3600

𝑛= = = 300
𝑒𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 12

b. Work out the interior angle of the regular polygon.

Since one
Also, we use the formula that says: exterior angle
and one
interior angle
𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 + 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 = 1800 add up to
120 + 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 = 1800 1800 .

∴ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 = 1800 − 120 = 1680 Then to find

one when the
other is given,
you subtract
the one given
from 1800 .
7.2 Test Yourself Question

1a. Work out the exterior angles of the regular polygon with the following
interior angles:

i. 1700 ii. 1500 iii. 1440 iv. 1600

b. What will be the number of sides of each?

2. Work out the exterior angle of a regular polygon when the number of sides
is:

i. 8 ii. 12 iii. 24 iv. 18

3. A particular regular polygon has 8 sides. To work out the size of each
interior angle, the approach of two students are shown:

Student A Student B

• First found the sum of the interior • This student on the other hand
angles of the regular polygon first found the exterior angles
using the formula (𝑛 − 2) × 3600
using the formula:
1800 . 𝑛

• Then divide it by the number of • Then subtract the answer from

sides 𝑛 of the polygon. 1800 .
Would they get the same answer? Answer the question by working out each
student approach.