Truncated prism

A truncated prism is a spatial figure that arises when a prism is cut by a plane that is not parallel to the bases.

 

The figure therefore has two polygonal faces that are not congruent, as well as a number of side faces that are typically trapezoids or general quadrilaterals.

 

If the cut is parallel to the base, the result is instead a prism shortened in height, which is not called a truncated prism but simply a smaller prism.

 

 

 

Volume

The volume of a truncated prism can be calculated using integrals or numerical methods, since there is no simple closed formula for all cases.

 

In special situations, for example when the cross-section has simple geometry, formulas can be established. In practice one will often use methods from analysis or geometric software.

 

Surface area

The surface area is found by summing the areas of the two polygonal faces and the side faces. The side faces will typically be trapezoids or quadrilaterals, each of which can be calculated separately.