How to Calculate the Volume of a Triangular Prism

Math with Mr. J

This math tutorial provides a clear, step-by-step guide on how to calculate the volume of a triangular prism. The instructor, Mr. J, begins by defining volume and introducing the general formula for finding the volume of any prism (V = Bh), before specifically breaking down how this applies to triangular prisms where the base is a triangle. The video distinguishes between the height of the triangular base and the height of the prism itself, a common point of confusion for students. The content covers key geometric concepts including identifying the base of a 3D object, calculating the area of a triangle, and understanding 3D spatial dimensions. Two distinct example problems are worked through in real-time, demonstrating how to substitute values into the formula and solve using mental math or scratchpad calculations. The visual style uses a digital blackboard with clear labeling to help students track the different dimensions. For educators, this video serves as an excellent instructional tool for middle school geometry units. It can be used to introduce the concept of volume for non-rectangular prisms or as a remediation tool for students struggling to differentiate between the various 'heights' found in prism problems. The pacing allows for natural pauses where students can attempt calculations before seeing the solution, making it interactive and practical for classroom use.