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Volume of a Frustum

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A frustum can be constructed from a circular cone in a right angle. It has a cone tip formed by cutting height which is perpendicular, an upper base and lower base. These bases in a derivation of frustum are both circular and parallel in structure.

When considering a right cone in a circular shape, the problem can be comprehensive to other n-sided pyramids and cones. Let’s take an example to understand the structure of a frustum and its application. This will further help to gain an understanding of the function of the volume of a frustum. 

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In the above figure, h represents height while r is the radius of an upper base, and R is the radius. One has to apply a frustum formula to derive the volume here.

When a combination is formed by taking solids, one has to add volumes of two adjacent shapes. This will give the required volume of a structure or volume of frustum of a cone. In the case of a frustum, a cone will be cut into smaller cone ends. To find the value, one needs to subtract this separated part.

This segment explains this concept of finding volume and surface area of frustum with examples and theory.

Let’s check what the volume of frustum formula is and how it works.


How to Apply Volume of Frustum of Cone Formula? 

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The sliced part of a cone can be termed as a frustum. Therefore, the calculation of volume requires finding two circular cone’s volume differences. 

From the figure above, the total height becomes H’ = H+h 

Here the total slant height becomes L =l1 +l2

We know that the radius of the cone is C and the radius of the cut cone is r. 

This makes the volume of the total cone to be 1/3 π C2 H’ which is equal to 1/3 π C2 (H+h)

The volume of the tip of a cone here will be 1/3 πr2h. Now to find the volume of a frustum, one has to calculate the dissimilarity between two circular cones in a right angle.

This gives 1/3 π C2 H’ -1/3 πr2h

Following the rules, it gives us 1/3π C2 (H+h) -1/3 πr2h

We find that 1/3 π [ C2 (H+h)-r2 h ].

After seeing the cone, a student can assess the sliced part, which gives us a result that right angle of the whole cone Δ BAD is similar to that of sliced cone Δ BPQ. 

This gives us, C/ r = H+h / h.

That is  H+h = Ch/r. Replacing the value of H+h in the frustum of a cone formula we get

1/3 π [ C2 (Ch/r)-r2 h ] =1/3 π  [C3h/r-r2 h]

 1/3 π h (C3/r-r2 )  =1/3 π h (C3-r3 / r)  


Similar Property of Triangles to Find Derivation of Volume of Frustum 

If we use a similar diagram and properties, we can evaluate the value of h, C/ r to be equal to (H+h)/ h.

We have seen that here h is [r/(C-r)] H 

Replacing the value of h in this equation gives us the solution 1/3 πH [r/(C-r)][(C3-r3)/ r)\]

 Now we get 1/3 πH [(C3-r3)/(R-r)]

 Which gives us 1/πH [(C-r)(C2 +Cr+r2)/ (C-r) ]

 Finally, the value as 1/πH (C2 +Cr+r2)

 Consequently, the V or the conical frustum volume will be 1/3 πH (C2 +Cr+r2 ).


How to Find Total Surface Area and Curved Surface Area in a Volume Truncated Cone  

In the figure above one can find the curved surface area of the frustum of a cone to be π(C+r)l1 

Here the total surface area of the frustum of a cone will be π l1 (C+r) +πC2 +πr2

We take the slant height to be l1 in both surface area of a cone. This gives us √ [H2 +(C-r)2

The resemblance of triangles equations characteristics has been calculated using two Δ BAD and Δ BPQ. 

Therefore, students need to procure information on all formulas of frustum to solve equations confidently. If they practice from quality study materials, they will be accustomed to the surface area, the volume of a frustum measurement, the volume of truncated cone derivation and more.

One can check Vedantu to gather quality guidance on the topic volume of a frustum of a pyramid and related topics. They offer a wide array of notes, practice papers, live classes, and more. Student’s desiring to secure outstanding scores in the subject maths can download the app today!

FAQs on Volume of a Frustum

1. What is the formula for the volume of a frustum of a cone?

The formula to calculate the volume of a frustum of a cone is given by: V = (1/3)πh(R² + r² + Rr). In this formula:

  • V represents the volume of the frustum.
  • h is the perpendicular height of the frustum.
  • R is the radius of the larger circular base.
  • r is the radius of the smaller circular base.

2. What exactly is a frustum, and how is it formed from a cone?

A frustum is a three-dimensional geometric shape that is formed by cutting off the top part of a cone with a plane that is parallel to its base. The resulting solid has two circular bases (a larger one and a smaller one) and a curved side. Essentially, it's a cone with its pointed tip removed, leaving a shape that resembles a bucket or a lampshade.

3. What are some real-world examples of objects shaped like a frustum of a cone?

Many everyday objects are shaped like a frustum of a cone, making the concept of its volume very practical. Common examples include:

  • A drinking glass or a disposable coffee cup.
  • A bucket used for carrying water or other materials.
  • The shape of a classic lampshade.
  • A kitchen funnel (the main body).
  • Certain types of flower pots and planters.

4. How is the formula for the volume of a frustum derived?

The formula for the volume of a frustum is derived by considering it as a large cone with a smaller cone removed from its top. The derivation involves these logical steps:

  • Imagine the original, complete cone with height H and base radius R.
  • Imagine the smaller cone that was cut off, with height h' and base radius r.
  • The volume of the frustum is the volume of the large cone minus the volume of the small cone.
  • Using the properties of similar triangles, a relationship between H, h', R, and r is established.
  • By substituting these relationships into the subtraction formula, we arrive at the final, simplified formula: V = (1/3)πh(R² + r² + Rr), where 'h' is the height of the frustum itself (H - h').

5. How does calculating the volume of a frustum differ from finding its surface area?

Calculating volume and surface area measures two different properties of a frustum. Volume measures the amount of space the frustum occupies or the capacity it can hold, and it is expressed in cubic units (like cm³). In contrast, Total Surface Area (TSA) measures the sum of the areas of all its surfaces, including the top and bottom circular bases and the curved side. It is expressed in square units (like cm²). The formulas are also different, as the surface area calculation requires the slant height (l) of the frustum.

6. What are the essential measurements needed to calculate the volume of a frustum?

To calculate the volume of a frustum of a cone, you only need three essential measurements:

  • The radius of the larger base (R).
  • The radius of the smaller base (r).
  • The perpendicular height (h), which is the shortest distance between the two bases.
You do not need the slant height to calculate the volume, which is a common point of confusion with surface area calculations.

7. Why is understanding the volume of a frustum important as per the CBSE Class 10 syllabus for 2025-26?

As per the CBSE Class 10 syllabus for 2025-26, the frustum of a cone is a key topic within the 'Surface Areas and Volumes' chapter. Its importance lies in solving mixed problems, such as those involving the conversion of one metallic solid into another (e.g., melting a frustum to form a sphere) or calculating the capacity of combined solids. It tests a student's ability to apply geometric formulas to complex, real-world scenarios.

8. Is the formula for the volume of a frustum of a cone different from that of a frustum of a pyramid?

Yes, the formulas are different, although the underlying principle is similar. The volume of a frustum of a pyramid is V = (1/3)h(A₁ + A₂ + √(A₁A₂)), where A₁ and A₂ are the areas of the two parallel bases. The formula for a frustum of a cone is a specific version of this, where the bases are circles (A = πR² and A = πr²). The cone formula is used for objects with circular bases, while the pyramid formula is used for objects with polygonal bases (like squares or triangles).