Calculating the Lateral and Total Surface Area of a Cylinder

The Organic Chemistry Tutor

This concise mathematics tutorial provides a step-by-step demonstration on how to calculate both the lateral area and total surface area of a cylinder. Using a clear, handwritten visual style on a blackboard, the narrator guides viewers through a specific problem involving a cylinder with a radius of 8 inches and a height of 12 inches. The video focuses on key geometric concepts, distinguishing between lateral area (the area of the curved surface only) and total surface area (which includes the top and bottom circular bases). It explicitly breaks down the formulas involved, deriving the lateral area formula from the perimeter (circumference) of the base multiplied by the height, and building the total surface area by adding the two base areas to the lateral area. For educators, this video serves as an excellent model for solving geometry problems involving 3D shapes. It is particularly useful for visual learners who benefit from seeing the problem setup and the step-by-step algebraic substitution. The video can be used to introduce the concept, reinforce understanding of the formulas, or as a reference for students working on independent practice problems.