MATHS PROJECT

NINTH PROJECT
OUT OF 10

OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate a method to derive a formula
for finding the total surface area of a right-
circular cylinder

Materials Required
1. A right-circular cylinder made of chart
paper whose total surface area is to be
determined
2. A geometry box
3. A pair of scissors
Theory
When a right-circular cylinder of height h and
base radius r is unfolded, we get two circular
sheets each of radius r (the top and bottom
faces) and one rectangular sheet of length
2πr and breadth h (the curved surface).

Procedure
Step 1: Take a right-circular cylinder of height
h and base radius r as shown in Figure 36.1.
Step 2: Remove its two circular faces on the
top and bottom. Cut the curved surface
vertically and open it to get a rectangular
sheet (see Figure 36.2).

Step 3: Measure the length and breadth of

the rectangle formed.

Observations and Calculations:

We observe that the length of the rectangular
sheet = 2πr and the breadth of the rectangular
sheet = h.
the area of the rectangular sheet = 2πrh.
So, the curved surface area of the cylinder =
2πrh.
Also, the area of each circular sheet = πr².
the total area of the top and bottom surfaces
of the cylinder = 2 x πr²=2πr².
Hence, the total surface area of the cylinder =
2πrh + 2πr²=2πr(h+r).

Result
The total surface area of the cylinder is given
by S = 2πr(h+r).