Mensuration covers the measurement of lengths, areas, and volumes. Students must know formulas for standard shapes and apply them to compound and real-world problems.
Rectangle: A = l × w, P = 2(l+w). Triangle: A = ½bh. Parallelogram: A = bh. Trapezium: A = ½(a+b)h. Circle: C = 2πr = πd, A = πr². Arc length = (θ/360) × 2πr. Sector area = (θ/360) × πr². Segment area = sector area − triangle area.
Prism: V = cross-section area × length. Cylinder: V = πr²h, curved SA = 2πrh. Pyramid: V = ⅓ × base area × h. Cone: V = ⅓πr²h, curved SA = πrl (l = slant height). Sphere: V = 4/3πr³, SA = 4πr². Hemisphere: V = 2/3πr³, SA = 3πr².
Break complex shapes into standard shapes, calculate each part, then add/subtract. Common combinations: L-shapes, T-shapes, shapes with semicircles, combined prisms. Always identify which formula applies to each component. Units: area in cm²/m², volume in cm³/m³.
Yes — Cambridge provides a formula sheet with the exam papers. It includes all major volume and surface area formulas (cone, sphere, pyramid). However, basic formulas (rectangle, triangle, circle) and the understanding of how to apply them are expected knowledge. Practice using the formula sheet under timed conditions so you know where to find each formula quickly.
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