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Get to Know the Top 3D Shapes Names for Your Next Math Project

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Welcome to our article on 3D shape names in English! Whether you’re an English language learner or a writer looking to expand your vocabulary, this article will provide you with a comprehensive list of 3D shape names, their meanings, and examples of real-life objects that take on these shapes.

3D shapes are all around us, from the sphere of a basketball to the cube of a Rubik’s Cube. Understanding the names of these shapes is not only important for communication but also for understanding the world we live in. In this article, we will cover the basic properties of 3D shapes and provide you with a list of common 3D shape names and their meanings.

By the end of this article, you will have a solid understanding of 3D shape names and be able to identify them in the world around you. So, let’s get started!

3D Shapes Names

3d shapes names

Understanding 3D Shapes Names

Basic 3D Shapes Names

The basic 3D shapes are cube, rectangular prism, sphere, cone, and cylinder. These shapes can be seen all around us. For example, we can see a cube in a Rubik’s Cube and a die, a rectangular prism in a book and a box, a sphere in a globe and a ball, a cone in a carrot and an ice cream, and a cylinder in a can and a pencil.

Polyhedra

Polyhedra are 3D shapes with flat faces, straight edges, and vertices. Some examples of polyhedra include:

Name Description
Cube A solid with six square faces, 12 edges, and eight vertices. All faces and angles are congruent.
Cuboid Also known as a rectangular prism, it has six rectangular faces, 12 edges, and eight vertices.
Pyramid A solid with a polygonal base and triangular faces that meet at a common vertex.
Prism A solid with two parallel congruent bases and rectangular or parallelogram faces.
Tetrahedron A solid with four triangular faces, four vertices, and six edges.

Common 3D Shapes Names

Cube

A cube is a 3D shape with six square faces, all of which are equal in size. It has eight vertices and twelve edges. Cubes are commonly used in games, puzzles, and building blocks.

Sphere

A sphere is a 3D shape that looks like a ball. It has no edges or vertices and is perfectly symmetrical. Spheres are commonly used in sports equipment, such as basketballs and footballs.

Cylinder

A cylinder is a 3D shape with two circular faces and a curved surface. It has no vertices and two edges. Cylinders are commonly used in everyday objects such as cans, bottles, and tubes.

Cone

A cone is a 3D shape with a circular base and a curved surface that tapers to a point. It has one vertex and one edge. Cones are commonly used in traffic cones, ice cream cones, and party hats.

Pyramid

A pyramid is a 3D shape with a polygonal base and triangular faces that meet at a single vertex. The most common pyramid is the square pyramid, which has a square base and four triangular faces. Pyramids are commonly used in architecture and ancient structures such as the Pyramids of Giza.

Here are some more 3D shapes with their names and meanings:

Shape Meaning
Tetrahedron A 4-faced pyramid
Octahedron An 8-faced shape with equilateral triangles
Dodecahedron A 12-faced shape with pentagons
Icosahedron A 20-faced shape with equilateral triangles

3D Shapes in Everyday Life

3D shapes are all around us in our daily lives, from the objects we use to the buildings we inhabit. Understanding the names and properties of these shapes can help us better describe and communicate about the world around us.

Common 3D Shapes in Everyday Objects

Here are some common 3D shapes and examples of where they can be found in everyday objects:

3D Shape Examples
Cube Dice, Rubik’s Cube, tissue box
Sphere Ball, globe, light bulb
Cylinder Soda can, flashlight, pencil
Cone Traffic cone, party hat, ice cream cone
Pyramid Pyramid-shaped tea bags, ancient Egyptian architecture, the Louvre’s glass pyramid

3D Shapes in Architecture

Architects and builders use a variety of 3D shapes to create structures that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Some common 3D shapes used in architecture include:

3D Shape Examples
Rectangular Prism Buildings, houses, skyscrapers
Cylinder Columns, arches, domes
Pyramid Pyramids, ziggurats, obelisks
Sphere Domes, planetariums

3D Shapes in Art and Design

Artists and designers also use 3D shapes to create visually appealing and functional works. Some common 3D shapes used in art and design include:

3D Shape Examples
Cube Sculptures, furniture, packaging
Cone Lampshades, party decorations, vases
Sphere Jewelry, decorative objects, Christmas ornaments
Cylinder Candles, pottery, glasses

Less Common 3D Shapes Names

There are some less common 3D shapes names that are sure to capture your attention, some of which are:

  • Torus
  • Ellipsoid
  • Octahedron
  • Dodecahedron
  • Icosahedron
  • Rhombicuboctahedron
  • Snub Cube

Torus

A torus is a three-dimensional shape that resembles a donut or a tire. It is created by rotating a circle around an axis that is in the same plane as the circle but does not intersect it. The resulting shape has a hole in the middle and a curved surface that connects the inner and outer edges.

Ellipsoid

An ellipsoid is a three-dimensional shape that resembles a stretched-out sphere. It is created by stretching a sphere along one or more of its axes. The resulting shape has three unequal axes and a smooth, curved surface.

Octahedron

An octahedron is a three-dimensional shape with eight faces, each of which is an equilateral triangle. The shape is symmetrical, with each face meeting at a vertex in the center of the shape. The octahedron is often used in architecture and design due to its pleasing symmetry.

Dodecahedron

A dodecahedron is a three-dimensional shape with twelve faces, each of which is a regular pentagon. The shape is symmetrical, with each face meeting at a vertex in the center of the shape. The dodecahedron is often used in architecture and design due to its unique shape and symmetry.

Icosahedron

An icosahedron is a three-dimensional shape with twenty faces, each of which is an equilateral triangle. The shape is symmetrical, with each face meeting at a vertex in the center of the shape. The icosahedron is often used in architecture and design due to its pleasing symmetry.

Rhombicuboctahedron

A rhombicuboctahedron is a three-dimensional shape with 26 faces, including 18 squares and 8 triangles. The shape is symmetrical, with each face meeting at a vertex in the center of the shape. The rhombicuboctahedron is often used in architecture and design due to its unique shape and symmetry.

Snub Cube

A snub cube is a three-dimensional shape with 38 faces, including 32 equilateral triangles and 6 squares. The shape is symmetrical, with each face meeting at a vertex in the center of the shape. The snub cube is often used in architecture and design due to its unique shape and symmetry, but it is less commonly used than other shapes like the cube or dodecahedron. The snub cube is also interesting mathematically because it is one of the 13 Archimedean solids, which are convex polyhedra with regular faces and identical vertices.

Importance of 3D Shapes in Mathematics

3D shapes are an essential part of mathematics, and they play a vital role in various fields such as engineering, architecture, and design. Understanding 3D shapes is crucial when it comes to visualizing and analyzing objects in real life. It helps individuals to understand the relationship between different objects and their properties.

In mathematics, 3D shapes are used to teach students about geometry and spatial reasoning. They are also used to solve real-world problems, such as calculating the volume and surface area of objects. By understanding 3D shapes, students can develop the ability to think critically, solve problems, and apply mathematical concepts to real-life scenarios.

One of the most significant benefits of learning about 3D shapes is that it helps individuals to understand the world around them better. For example, architects use 3D shapes to design buildings, engineers use them to design machinery, and designers use them to create products. By understanding 3D shapes, these professionals can create designs that are both functional and visually appealing.

3D Shapes Names in Architecture and Design

Common 3D Shapes Names in Architecture

Cube

The cube is a six-faced 3D shape where each face is a square. It is commonly used in architecture for creating box-like structures such as buildings, rooms, and furniture.

Sphere

The sphere is a 3D shape that is perfectly round. It is used in architecture for creating dome-shaped structures, such as sports arenas, planetariums, and observatories.

Cylinder

The cylinder is a 3D shape with two circular faces and a curved surface. It is used in architecture for creating columns, towers, and other cylindrical structures.

Pyramid

The pyramid is a 3D shape with a polygonal base and triangular faces that meet at a single point at the top. It is used in architecture for creating structures such as pyramids, obelisks, and monuments.

3D Shapes Names in Design

Torus

The torus is a 3D shape that looks like a donut. It is used in design for creating jewelry, furniture, and other decorative objects.

Helix

The helix is a 3D shape that looks like a spiral staircase. It is used in design for creating decorative objects such as vases and lamps.

Frustum

The frustum is a 3D shape that looks like a cone with the top cut off. It is used in design for creating lampshades, vases, and other decorative objects.

Mobius Strip

The Mobius strip is a 3D shape that has only one side and one edge. It is used in design for creating jewelry, sculptures, and other decorative objects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the properties of 3D shapes?

The properties of 3D shapes include:

  • Faces
  • Edges
  • Vertices
  • Volume
  • Surface area

What is the name for a 3D rectangle?

A 3D rectangle is called a cuboid.

What are some examples of 3D shapes that can be found at home?

Some examples of 3D shapes that can be found at home include:

  • Dice (cube)
  • Basketball (sphere)
  • Soda can (cylinder)
  • Party hat (cone)
  • Pyramid-shaped tea bag holder (pyramid)
  • Tissue box (rectangular prism)
  • Toblerone chocolate bar (triangular prism)

What are some 3D shapes names and how many sides do they have?

The names of 3D shapes and how many sides they have are:

Shape Number of sides
Cube 6
Sphere 0
Cylinder 2 circular faces and 1 curved face
Cone 1 circular face and 1 curved face
Pyramid 4 triangular faces and 1 base
Rectangular prism 6
Triangular prism 5

What is the name of a 3D triangle?

A 3D triangle is called a triangular pyramid.

Some common 3D shapes and their names include:

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Shape Name
Cube Hexahedron
Sphere Ball
Cylinder Right circular cylinder
Cone Right circular cone
Pyramid Square pyramid
Rectangular prism Cuboid
Triangular prism Triangular prism

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The properties of 3D shapes include:

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  • Faces
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  • Edges
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  • Vertices
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  • Volume
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"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the name for a 3D rectangle?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

A 3D rectangle is called a cuboid.

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Some examples of 3D shapes that can be found at home include:

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  • Dice (cube)
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  • Basketball (sphere)
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  • Soda can (cylinder)
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  • Party hat (cone)
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  • Pyramid-shaped tea bag holder (pyramid)
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  • Tissue box (rectangular prism)
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  • Toblerone chocolate bar (triangular prism)
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The names of 3D shapes and how many sides they have are:

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Shape Number of sides
Cube 6
Sphere 0
Cylinder 2 circular faces and 1 curved face
Cone 1 circular face and 1 curved face
Pyramid 4 triangular faces and 1 base
Rectangular prism 6
Triangular prism 5

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the name of a 3D triangle?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

A 3D triangle is called a triangular pyramid.

"}}]}

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