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CELE Engineering MathematicsPlane, Solid Geometry and MensurationCheat Sheet

Plane, Solid Geometry and Mensuration cheat sheet for CELE aspirants. If you could only take one sheet of paper into your review session, this is what it would look like. Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) — Board of Civil Engineering's most-tested concepts, all in one place.

Exam context

On the CELE 2026, the Engineering Mathematics subtest carries a "Core" weight in Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) — Board of Civil Engineering's pattern. Plane, Solid Geometry and Mensuration lands at position 3rd out of 10 in the standard review order. Target score is 70% weighted average, no sub-test below 50%, and roughly a meaningful share of items come from Engineering Mathematics on a typical CELE paper.

Plane, Solid Geometry and Mensuration - Cheat Sheet

Your 30-minute rapid-fire reference for plane figures, solids, and mensuration formulas. Covers all exam-critical material for areas, volumes, surface areas, and Pappus theorems used in earthwork, concrete calculations, and tank/reservoir design.

Sections

Formulas

Formula

A = ½bh

Meaning

Triangle area: b = base, h = perpendicular height

Watch Out

Height MUST be perpendicular to base, not slant side; confusing height with side length is the #1 error

When To Use

When base and vertical height are given; fastest method

Formula

A = √[s(s−a)(s−b)(s−c)], where s = (a+b+c)/2

Meaning

Heron's formula: a, b, c = triangle sides, s = semi-perimeter

Watch Out

Must compute semi-perimeter s FIRST; students forget s is NOT the perimeter

When To Use

When all three sides are known but height is not; three-side triangles

Formula

A = πr²

Meaning

Circle area: r = radius

Watch Out

Students use diameter instead of radius; HALVE diameter first if given diameter

When To Use

For any circle; fundamental formula

Formula

A = ½r²θ (θ in radians)

Meaning

Circular sector area: r = radius, θ = central angle

Watch Out

If angle given in degrees, CONVERT to radians by multiplying by π/180°; this causes >50% of errors

When To Use

Sector of a circle; angle MUST be in radians

Formula

A_segment = A_sector − A_triangle = ½r²(θ − sin θ)

Meaning

Circular segment: area between chord and arc

Watch Out

Angle must be in radians; segment area is SMALLER than sector area

When To Use

When chord cuts off part of circle; found by subtracting triangle from sector

Formula

A = ½(b₁ + b₂)h

Meaning

Trapezoid area: b₁, b₂ = parallel bases, h = perpendicular distance

Watch Out

h is perpendicular distance between parallel sides, not slant height; sum bases BEFORE multiplying by ½h

When To Use

Trapezoid with two parallel sides

Formula

A = ¼ns² cot(180°/n)

Meaning

Regular polygon: n = number of sides, s = side length

Watch Out

Angle in degrees (180°/n); use cot, not tan; common for hexagon (n=6) in earthwork

When To Use

Regular hexagon, octagon, pentagon, etc. with side length

Formula

A = ½ap

Meaning

Regular polygon alternate: a = apothem (center to side), p = perimeter

Watch Out

Apothem is perpendicular from center, not radius; use radius r = a/cos(180°/n)

When To Use

When apothem is given instead of side length

Formula

A = ½d₁d₂

Meaning

Rhombus or kite area: d₁, d₂ = diagonals

Watch Out

Diagonals must BISECT each other (rhombus/square); for kite, one diagonal may not bisect other

When To Use

Rhombus, square, or kite when diagonals are known

Common Values

Value

3.14159...

Symbol

π

Quantity

π (pi)

Value

1.41421...

Symbol

√2

Quantity

√2 (diagonal of unit square)

Value

1.73205...

Symbol

√3

Quantity

√3 (height ratio in equilateral triangle)

Value

√3 ≈ 1.732

Symbol

cot(30°)

Quantity

cot(30°) for regular polygon (n=6)

Section Title

PLANE FIGURES — Areas

Important Facts

  • Circle circumference C = 2πr = πd (d = diameter)
  • Arc length L = rθ (θ in radians); L = πrθ/180° (θ in degrees)
  • Segment area = ½r²(θ − sin θ) with θ in radians
  • Regular hexagon = 6 equilateral triangles; area = (3√3/2)s² where s = side
  • Regular polygon interior angle = (n−2)180°/n; central angle = 360°/n
  • Inscribed circle radius (inradius) a = A/s where A = area, s = semi-perimeter for triangle

Key Definitions

Term

Radius (r)

Example

Circle with r = 5 m has area = π(5)² = 78.54 m²

Definition

Distance from center of circle to circumference; half the diameter.

Term

Sector

Example

90° sector of 4 m radius circle: A = ½(4)²(π/2) = 4π ≈ 12.57 m²

Definition

Pie-slice portion of circle bounded by two radii and an arc.

Term

Segment

Example

Segment area = sector area minus triangle area

Definition

Region between a chord and the arc it subtends.

Term

Apothem

Example

Regular hexagon side 6 m, apothem = 6/2tan(30°) ≈ 5.196 m

Definition

Perpendicular distance from center of regular polygon to a side.

Diagrams To Know

  • Circle with radius, diameter, sector, segment, and chord labeled
  • Triangle with base, height (perpendicular), and semi-perimeter notation
  • Regular polygon with side, apothem, and central angle marked
  • Trapezoid with parallel bases b₁, b₂ and height h perpendicular to bases
  • Circular segment showing chord and arc

Formulas

Formula

V = A_base × h

Meaning

Prism or cylinder volume: A_base = base area, h = height

Watch Out

Height h must be PERPENDICULAR to base, not slant; common in concrete slab and tank calculations per ACI 318

When To Use

Any prism (rectangular, triangular) or cylinder with perpendicular height

Formula

V = πr²h

Meaning

Cylinder volume: r = radius, h = height

Watch Out

Use radius, not diameter; halve diameter first; height must be perpendicular to base

When To Use

Cylindrical tanks, pipes, silos; standard in Philippine water tank design

Formula

S = 2πrh + 2πr²

Meaning

Cylinder surface area: lateral 2πrh + two circular bases 2πr²

Watch Out

Lateral area only is 2πrh (no bases); don't double-count circular area

When To Use

Total surface area including top and bottom

Formula

V = ⅓A_base × h

Meaning

Pyramid or cone volume: A_base = base area, h = perpendicular height

Watch Out

Height h is perpendicular from apex to base plane; NOT the slant height; pyramid volume ⅓ not ½

When To Use

Pyramid (triangular/square base) or cone; volume is ⅓ of equivalent prism

Formula

V = ⅓πr²h

Meaning

Cone volume: r = base radius, h = perpendicular height

Watch Out

h is perpendicular height from apex to base, NOT slant height L; confused with ½ factor

When To Use

Conical spoil piles in earthwork; standard in fill volume calculations

Formula

S_lateral = πrL

Meaning

Cone lateral surface area: r = base radius, L = slant height

Watch Out

Slant height L ≠ perpendicular height h; L = √(r² + h²) is Pythagorean, not slant height given directly

When To Use

Lateral (side) surface only; find L = √(r² + h²)

Formula

V = ⁴⁄₃πr³

Meaning

Sphere volume: r = radius

Watch Out

Coefficient is 4/3 not 1/3; use radius r, not diameter d

When To Use

Spherical tanks, pressure vessels, ball-shaped structures

Formula

S = 4πr²

Meaning

Sphere surface area: r = radius

Watch Out

Surface area is 4πr² (not ⅘πr³); this is derived from rotating semicircle via Pappus

When To Use

Coating, painting, or surface treatment of spherical tank

Formula

V = (h/3)(A₁ + A₂ + √(A₁A₂))

Meaning

Frustum volume (truncated cone/pyramid): A₁, A₂ = end areas, h = height between parallel faces

Watch Out

Third term is √(A₁A₂), NOT A₁A₂; students forget square root; formula different from prismatoid

When To Use

Cone/pyramid cut parallel to base; common in embankment and dam slope calculations per NSCP

Formula

V = (h/6)(A₁ + 4A_m + A₂)

Meaning

Prismatoid volume (general formula): A₁, A₂ = end areas, A_m = middle cross-section, h = length

Watch Out

Coefficient 1/6 with middle section weighted 4×; NOT same as frustum; A_m is at h/2, not average area

When To Use

Earthwork volumes (cuts/fills); basis of prismoidal rule in surveying per NSCP 2015

Common Values

Value

3.14159...

Symbol

π

Quantity

π (pi)

Value

1.33333...

Symbol

4/3

Quantity

4/3 (sphere volume coefficient)

Value

1.41421...

Symbol

√2

Quantity

√2 (Pythagorean in diagonal)

Section Title

SOLIDS — Volumes & Surface Areas

Important Facts

  • Cone volume = ⅓ cylinder volume with same base and height
  • Pyramid volume = ⅓ prism volume with same base and height
  • Sphere surface area S = 4πr² can be derived from Pappus by rotating semicircle
  • Frustum formula V = (h/3)(A₁ + A₂ + √(A₁A₂)) applies to both cone and pyramid frustums
  • Prismoidal rule V = (h/6)(A₁ + 4A_m + A₂) is exact for all polyhedra and approximation for curved solids
  • For right circular cone, lateral area = πrL where L = √(h² + r²)
  • Hemisphere volume = ½ sphere = ⅔πr³; hemisphere surface (curved only) = 2πr²

Key Definitions

Term

Slant height (L)

Example

Cone h = 12 m, r = 5 m: L = √(144 + 25) = √169 = 13 m

Definition

Distance along slant surface of cone/pyramid from apex to base edge; L = √(h² + r²) for cone.

Term

Apothem (pyramid)

Example

Square pyramid slant apothem different from perpendicular height h

Definition

Perpendicular distance from apex to midpoint of a base edge; used for lateral surface area of pyramid.

Term

Frustum

Example

Frustum with A₁ = 25 m², A₂ = 4 m², h = 6 m: V = (6/3)(25 + 4 + √100) = 2(39) = 78 m³

Definition

Solid formed by cutting a cone or pyramid with a plane parallel to the base.

Term

Prismatoid

Example

Earthwork volumes calculated using prismoidal rule V = (h/6)(A₁ + 4A_m + A₂)

Definition

Polyhedron with two parallel polygonal bases and trapezoidal or triangular lateral faces.

Diagrams To Know

  • Cylinder with radius r and height h; lateral surface unwraps to rectangle 2πr × h
  • Cone showing apex, perpendicular height h, radius r, and slant height L forming right triangle
  • Pyramid (square base) with apex height h and slant apothem on face
  • Frustum with two parallel bases A₁ and A₂ separated by height h
  • Sphere with diameter and radius labeled
  • Right triangle for Pythagorean relationship: L² = h² + r²

Formulas

Formula

S = 2π d̄ L

Meaning

First Pappus Theorem (surface): S = surface area of revolution, d̄ = distance from centroid of curve to axis of rotation, L = arc length of curve

Watch Out

d̄ is distance to axis, NOT to a point; L is arc length, not straight-line distance; curve must NOT cross axis

When To Use

Surface of revolution generated by rotating a curve (line, arc, or polygon edge) around an axis; used for cone lateral area, torus surface

Formula

V = 2π d̄ A

Meaning

Second Pappus Theorem (volume): V = volume of revolution, d̄ = distance from centroid of area to axis of rotation, A = area of region revolved

Watch Out

d̄ is centroid distance, NOT average position; area A must be planar region, not 3D; axis must be external to area

When To Use

Volume generated by rotating a planar area around an external axis; used for torus, composite tank volumes

Common Values

Value

2r/π

Symbol

Quantity

Semicircle arc centroid distance from center

Value

4r/(3π)

Symbol

Quantity

Semicircular area centroid distance from diameter

Section Title

PAPPUS THEOREMS — Solids & Surfaces of Revolution

Important Facts

  • Cone lateral surface S = πrL can be derived: semicircle arc L = πr rotated about perpendicular axis at distance d̄ = r (from Pappus 1)
  • Sphere surface S = 4πr²: semicircle (length πr, centroid at 2r/π from diameter) rotated about diameter → S = 2π(2r/π)(πr) = 4πr²
  • Torus volume V = (2πd̄)(πr²) where d̄ = distance from circle center to axis, r = circle radius
  • Centroid of semicircle arc from center: d̄ = 2r/π; for semicircular area: d̄ = 4r/3π from diameter
  • Centroid of triangle from base: h/3 (one-third the height)
  • Pappus theorems apply ONLY when curve/area does NOT cross the axis of rotation

Key Definitions

Term

Centroid (first moment)

Example

Circle of radius r rotated about axis at distance d̄ from center: volume = 2π(d̄)(πr²) = 2πd̄πr² (torus)

Definition

Geometric center of a line, area, or volume; for Pappus, the distance from this center to the axis of rotation.

Term

Solid of Revolution

Example

Cone generated by rotating right triangle about one leg; sphere generated by rotating semicircle about diameter

Definition

3D solid generated by rotating a 2D shape (area or curve) about a fixed axis.

Term

Torus

Example

Circle r = 2 m, centroid distance d̄ = 5 m: V = 2π(5)(π·4) = 40π² ≈ 394.78 m³

Definition

Doughnut-shaped solid generated by rotating a circle about an external axis in its plane.

Diagrams To Know

  • Semicircle rotated about its diameter to form sphere; mark centroid of arc and area
  • Right triangle rotated about vertical leg to form cone; show axis of rotation
  • Circle rotated about external axis to form torus; mark circle center and distance d̄ from axis
  • General planar area with centroid marked and axis of rotation shown
  • Arc with centroid d̄ labeled perpendicular to axis of rotation

Formulas

Formula

A_total = A₁ + A₂ + ... + Aₙ

Meaning

Composite area: sum of non-overlapping component areas

Watch Out

Sketch and divide carefully; subtract cutout areas if present; ensure no overlap or gap

When To Use

Irregular polygons or shapes divided into simpler figures (triangles, rectangles, circles)

Formula

V_total = V₁ + V₂ + ... + Vₙ

Meaning

Composite volume: sum of component volumes

Watch Out

Subtract void volumes if solid is hollow; ensure components don't overlap; use consistent units

When To Use

Compound solids (e.g., cylinder + cone for silo, rectangular prism + pyramid for roof tank)

Formula

x̄ = (A₁x₁ + A₂x₂ + ... + Aₙxₙ) / (A₁ + A₂ + ... + Aₙ)

Meaning

Centroid (first moment) of composite area: Aᵢ = component area, xᵢ = distance from reference axis

Watch Out

Centroid of each component must be known; cutout areas are NEGATIVE; reference axis position critical

When To Use

Finding centroid of irregular shape for structural design per NSCP 2015; used with Pappus theorem

Section Title

COMPOSITE FIGURES & COMPOUND SOLIDS

Important Facts

  • Centroid of rectangle: center (bh/2 at b/2 and h/2 from corner)
  • Centroid of triangle: (b/3, h/3) from corner opposite base
  • Centroid of semicircle: 4r/(3π) from diameter (along perpendicular bisector)
  • Centroid of quarter circle: 4r/(3π) from both axes (by symmetry in first quadrant)
  • For composite areas with cutouts, subtract the cutout area as negative value

Key Definitions

Term

Composite Figure

Example

L-shaped area = large rectangle minus cutout rectangle

Definition

Complex shape formed by combining or subtracting simpler geometric figures.

Term

Moment of Area (First Moment)

Example

Rectangle 3 m × 4 m, distance from axis 5 m: Q = 12 × 5 = 60 m³

Definition

Product of area and perpendicular distance from reference axis; Q = A × d̄; used to find centroid.

Diagrams To Know

  • L-shaped polygon divided into two rectangles with areas and centroids marked
  • T-shaped section with horizontal and vertical components; centroid of each labeled
  • Irregular profile (e.g., channel cross-section) decomposed into rectangles
  • Circle with sector cutout; show positive and negative area components

Formulas

Formula

V = (h/6)(A₁ + 4A_m + A₂)

Meaning

Prismoidal rule for earthwork: A₁ = area of first cross-section, A_m = area at midpoint h/2, A₂ = area of second cross-section

Watch Out

A_m MUST be at exact midpoint (h/2); coefficient 1/6 with 4× weight on middle section; NOT average (A₁ + A₂)/2

When To Use

Computing volumes of cuts and fills in road/bridge construction per NSCP 2015; most accurate for irregular terrain

Formula

V_cone = (1/3)πr²h

Meaning

Volume of conical spoil pile: r = base radius, h = height

Watch Out

Often measured height (slant) ≠ perpendicular height h; h must be vertical from base center to apex

When To Use

Estimating volume of excavated soil piled in conical form; common in grading calculations

Formula

V = πr²h (cylinder)

Meaning

Volume of cylindrical tank or stockpile: r = radius, h = height

Watch Out

Height h perpendicular to base; diameter often given, so r = d/2; measure inside radius for capacity

When To Use

Water tanks, fuel storage, bulk material (cement, sand) stockpiles per ACI 318 and material handling specs

Formula

V = (1/3)(A₁ + A₂ + √(A₁A₂))h

Meaning

Frustum volume for tapered embankments or fills: A₁, A₂ = cross-sectional areas at two elevations, h = vertical distance

Watch Out

√(A₁A₂) is geometric mean, NOT arithmetic average; h is vertical (perpendicular), not slant height

When To Use

Dam embankments, fills on sloping terrain, tapered columns (per NSCP 2015 structural design)

Section Title

CIVIL ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS — Earthwork & Mensuration

Important Facts

  • NSCP 2015 recommends prismoidal rule (h/6 formula) for engineering calculations; simpler average-end-area rule gives ±5% for most terrain
  • Conical stockpile volume often measured indirectly: height h from surveyed elevation difference
  • Trapezoidal cross-section (road cut on sloping terrain) is most common in Philippines infrastructure projects
  • Centroid of trapezoid used in earthwork calculations for compound fill geometry
  • For irregular terrain, cross-sections at 50 m or 100 m intervals standard for major works

Key Definitions

Term

Cross-Section (A)

Example

Trapezoidal cut: bases 10 m and 8 m, height 3 m: A = (10+8)/2 × 3 = 27 m²

Definition

Area of cut or fill perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a construction project (road, canal).

Term

Prismoidal Rule

Example

Road cut: A₁ = 50 m², A_m = 55 m² (at 100 m), A₂ = 52 m²; V = (200/6)(50 + 4·55 + 52) = 10,400 m³

Definition

NSCP 2015 standard method for computing volumes of cuts/fills using end areas and mid-section area.

Term

Embankment

Example

Dam embankment with frustum geometry over length requiring volume estimation

Definition

Raised structure of earth/fill material; volume calculated from cross-sections perpendicular to centerline.

Diagrams To Know

  • Longitudinal profile of road showing two cross-sections A₁ and A₂ separated by distance h
  • Trapezoidal cross-section with top width, bottom width, and height labeled
  • Conical pile with height and radius marked for volume calculation
  • Frustum of pyramid showing two parallel bases A₁, A₂ and height h

Must Remember

Item

ALWAYS use perpendicular height h, NOT slant height L, in pyramid V = ⅓A_base·h and cone V = ⅓πr²h. Slant height L is for lateral surface area only. This is the #1 exam error.

Rank

1

Item

ALWAYS convert angle θ from degrees to radians when using sector area A = ½r²θ. Multiplying by π/180: θ_rad = θ_deg × (π/180). Forgetting this causes 50%+ student errors.

Rank

2

Item

Frustum volume uses GEOMETRIC MEAN √(A₁A₂), NOT product A₁A₂. Formula: V = (h/3)(A₁ + A₂ + √(A₁A₂)). Prismatoid is different: V = (h/6)(A₁ + 4A_m + A₂) with A_m at mid-point.

Rank

3

Item

Pappus Theorem 1 (surface) uses arc length L and applies to curves; Pappus Theorem 2 (volume) uses planar area A. Centroid distance d̄ in both must be measured perpendicular to axis of rotation.

Rank

4

Item

For circle/circular shapes: Use RADIUS r, not diameter d. If diameter is given, HALVE it first: r = d/2. This applies to area (πr²), volume (πr²h, ⅓πr²h), and surface (4πr²).

Rank

5

Item

Regular polygon area A = ¼ns²cot(180°/n) where n = number of sides, s = side length. Angle 180°/n is in DEGREES. For hexagon (n=6): A = (3√3/2)s² ≈ 2.598s².

Rank

6

Item

Triangle area by Heron's formula requires SEMI-PERIMETER s = (a+b+c)/2 FIRST. Then A = √[s(s−a)(s−b)(s−c)]. Students forget s is half the perimeter, not the perimeter itself.

Rank

7

Item

Prismoidal rule V = (h/6)(A₁ + 4A_m + A₂) is standard per NSCP 2015 for earthwork volumes. The middle area A_m MUST be at exactly h/2 (midpoint). Coefficient is 1/6, not 1/3 or 1/2.

Rank

8

Item

Centroid of composite area: x̄ = (ΣAᵢxᵢ)/(ΣAᵢ). For areas with cutouts, subtract the cutout as NEGATIVE area. Identify centroid of each component first, then apply formula.

Rank

9

Item

Cone lateral surface area S = πrL where L = √(h² + r²) is slant height. Perpendicular height h and radius r form a right triangle with L. Common error: confusing h with L or using πrh instead of πrL.

Rank

10

Last Minute Tips

Tip

BEFORE computing, SKETCH the figure. Label all given dimensions (height, radius, base, angles). Identify what you're solving for (area, volume, lateral surface). Wrong sketches lead to wrong formula selection.

Tip

HEIGHT vs SLANT HEIGHT: In cones and pyramids, h (perpendicular) is for VOLUME (⅓A·h) and base calculations. Slant height L = √(h² + r²) is ONLY for lateral surface area (πrL). This distinction appears in >60% of exam problems.

Tip

ANGLES in RADIANS for circular formulas: Sector area ½r²θ REQUIRES θ in radians. If angle is in degrees, MULTIPLY by π/180 to convert. This is the #1 source of wrong answers; check your angle units before computing.

Tip

COMPOSITE FIGURES: Use positive area for the main shape and SUBTRACT (negative) any cutouts. Write out A_total = A_main − A_cutout step-by-step to avoid sign errors.

Tip

EARTHWORK VOLUMES (NSCP 2015): Use prismoidal rule V = (h/6)(A₁ + 4A_m + A₂) for official calculations. Verify that A_m is the cross-sectional area at the EXACT midpoint between A₁ and A₂. Improper A_m placement causes large errors in fill volume estimates.

Comparison Tables

Rows

Values

  • A = ½bh
  • b = base, h = perpendicular height
  • Base and perpendicular height known
  • Forgetting ½ factor; using slant height instead of perpendicular

Property

Triangle (base-height)

Values

  • A = √[s(s−a)(s−b)(s−c)]
  • a,b,c = sides, s = (a+b+c)/2
  • Three sides known; no height available
  • Forgetting to compute s first; using perimeter instead of semi-perimeter

Property

Triangle (Heron's formula)

Values

  • A = ½(b₁ + b₂)h
  • b₁, b₂ = parallel bases, h = perpendicular distance
  • Two parallel sides and perpendicular height
  • h is perpendicular distance between parallel sides, NOT a slant; summing bases before ½

Property

Trapezoid

Columns

  • Shape
  • Formula
  • Variables
  • When to Use
  • Common Mistake

Table Title

Triangle vs Trapezoid Area Formulas

Rows

Values

  • Any polygon
  • V = A_base × h
  • Rectangle faces; no apex
  • Uniform cross-section perpendicular to height

Property

Prism

Values

  • Any polygon
  • V = ⅓A_base × h
  • Triangular faces meeting at apex
  • ⅓ factor; apex reduces volume vs prism

Property

Pyramid

Values

  • Circle
  • V = πr²h
  • Curved lateral surface 2πrh
  • Prism with circular base

Property

Cylinder

Values

  • Circle
  • V = ⅓πr²h
  • Lateral area πrL (L = slant height)
  • ⅓ factor; apex point; cone = ⅓ cylinder

Property

Cone

Columns

  • Solid
  • Base Shape
  • Volume Formula
  • Lateral Surface
  • Key Distinction

Table Title

Pyramid vs Cone vs Prism — Volume Comparison

Rows

Values

  • Pie-slice from center to circumference
  • A = ½r²θ (θ in radians)
  • Two radii + arc
  • Very common

Property

Sector

Values

  • Region between chord and arc
  • A = ½r²(θ − sin θ)
  • Chord + arc (no radii)
  • Common

Property

Segment

Values

  • Complete circle
  • A = πr²
  • Circumference only
  • Fundamental

Property

Whole Circle

Columns

  • Region
  • Definition
  • Area Formula
  • Boundary
  • Exam Frequency

Table Title

Sector vs Segment vs Whole Circle

Rows

Values

  • Cone or pyramid truncated by plane parallel to base
  • A₁, A₂ = parallel end areas, h = perpendicular distance
  • Exact for cones, pyramids, and tapered solids
  • Using A₁A₂ instead of √(A₁A₂); forgetting geometric mean

Property

Frustum: V = (h/3)(A₁ + A₂ + √(A₁A₂))

Values

  • General prismatoid or earthwork cuts/fills (NSCP 2015)
  • A₁, A₂ = end areas, A_m = mid-section area at h/2
  • Exact for polyhedra; excellent approximation for curved surfaces
  • A_m position must be at exact midpoint h/2; coefficient 1/6 with 4× weight on A_m

Property

Prismatoid: V = (h/6)(A₁ + 4A_m + A₂)

Columns

  • Formula
  • Usage
  • Variables Required
  • Accuracy
  • Common Error

Table Title

Frustum vs Prismatoid Volume Formulas

Rows

Values

  • A curve (arc or line)
  • S = 2π d̄ L
  • S = surface area, d̄ = centroid distance to axis, L = arc length
  • Rotating semicircle (arc L = πr, d̄ = 2r/π) about diameter generates sphere S = 4πr²

Property

First Theorem (Surface)

Values

  • A planar area
  • V = 2π d̄ A
  • V = volume, d̄ = centroid distance to axis, A = area
  • Rotating circle (A = πr², d̄ = external distance) about axis generates torus V = 2π d̄ πr²

Property

Second Theorem (Volume)

Columns

  • Pappus Theorem
  • What Rotates
  • Formula
  • Variables
  • Example

Table Title

Pappus Theorem 1 (Surface) vs Pappus Theorem 2 (Volume)

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Ready to practise for the CELE 2026?

Super Tutor's AI review plan adapts to your weak areas and builds a weekly practice schedule around your target CELE exam date.