Separate Flat Figures from Solid Shapes

Supplied materials

• Paper and a pencil; drawing and spoken explanations are welcome. An adult may read directions and options aloud.
• Supplied worked-case record: A circle is flat and a sphere is solid.
• All quantities and shape descriptions are supplied in the worked example and questions; no purchase or personal information is needed.

Learn the idea

A flat figure is described in a plane: it has length and width but no thickness in the mathematical model. A solid has depth as well. A paper picture of a ball is flat, but the sphere it represents is a solid shape.

Read whether the question names a mathematical shape or its paper picture. Classify the named figure as flat or solid. Explain the decision using depth, rather than only the roundness of its outline.

A solid has depth in its mathematical model. A flat drawing of a solid is only a representation. Write Flat and Solid headings and place each named shape under one.

1. Write Flat and Solid headings and place each named shape under one.
2. Follow the worked example. Point to each number or shape feature and say what it tells you.
3. Read whether the question names a mathematical shape or its paper picture.
4. Try the question and then the three practice questions. Check your answers and explain any change you make.

Check your reasoning

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Take it further

Name one flat shape and one solid shape. Expected examples: circle and sphere.

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