Cubes and Volume - T2 - 1(a)/(c)

			The amount of space a shape takes up is called the volume of the shape. The cube in the diagram measures 1 cm by 1 cm by 1 cm. Its volume is 1 cubic centimetre. This is written as 1 cm³, with a little '3'. The units of volume are mm³, cm³, m³, km³.


How do you count a shape like this? If we had a model of it, we could break it up and count all the cubes. First count the cubes in 1 layer of the count. Then count the number of layers. The volume is: The number of cubes in 1 layer × The number of layers. Here the volume = 36 cm³.


			It is important to try and imagine the shape in your hand. It might be difficult at first. You could try building this shape with plastic cubes. Try to work out the answer. Watch the animation to see the answer.