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2D AND 3D SHAPES

Revision Notes

Capacity of an overhead tank can be calculated by considering the shape of the

tank as cylinder. Similarly, all physical objects can be associated with 2
dimensional or 3 dimensional objects that are explained in this article. Basic 2D
shapes, types of triangles, 3D shapes, net of 3D shapes and 2D representation
of 3D shapes are explained in this article.

A. 2D Shapes

The following 2 dimensional shapes are generally used in

mathematical applications. Before applying any geometrical
formula, it is important to identify the 2D shape. Length, width,
perimeter and area are important properties of a 2D shape.

Figure 1: 2D Shapes
GCSE Guide Notes 2D AND 3D SHAPES

As illustrated in the following figure, triangles are classified based on

length of its side. Triangle with three different sides is called as a
scalene triangle. If two sides are equal then the triangle is an isosceles
triangle. If all three sides are equal, then the triangle is an equilateral
triangle.

Figure 2: Types of triangle

B. 3D Shapes
The following 3 dimensional shapes are generally used in mathematical
applications. Before applying any geometrical formula, it is important to
identify the 3D shape. Surface area and volume are important
properties of a 3D shape.

Figure 3: 3D shapes
GCSE Guide Notes 2D AND 3D SHAPES

C. Nets
The net of a three-dimensional shape can be folded up to make that
shape. The following figure shows the net of a cube. It shows that the
faces of the cube opened out into a two-dimensional plan. 3D shape can
be developed from its net. Similarly, net can be developed for any 3D
shape.

Figure 4: Net of a cube

D. Plan view, side and front elevations

2D drawings are extensively used to represent 3D objects in building
design, mechanical components design and many other applications.
2D drawings used to show what the 3D object will look like from each
side. These drawings are called plans and elevations. The view from the
top is called the plan. The views from the front and sides are called the
elevations. The following figure illustrates the plan and side views of a
3D object.

Figure 5: Plan view, side and front elevations