Loading…
Loading…
GCSE Mathematics · key term
The shortest distance from a base to the opposite apex, measured at right angles to the base.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Specification G16, G17 · Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3
The shortest distance from a chosen base to the opposite side or vertex, measured at a right angle to the base.
The shortest distance from the base of a solid to its opposite vertex or parallel face, measured at right angles to the base.
Use the perpendicular height, not a sloping side, in an area formula.
The perpendicular height is used in a volume formula; the slant height is used for the curved surface area of a cone.
Use the perpendicular height, not a sloping side, in every area formula.
Create a free account to read GCSE Mathematics revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.
Specification G16, G17 · Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3
The shortest distance from a base to the opposite side or surface, measured at right angles to the base.
Revise: Area and Volume FormulaeThe perpendicular height is not necessarily a side of the shape. In a sloping parallelogram or an obtuse triangle, it may need to be drawn separately. Multiplying two sloping adjacent sides will not generally give the area.
Specification 10.03a, 10.03b, 10.03c, 10.03e, 10.04b, 10.04c · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Foundation), Paper 4 (Higher), Paper 5 (Higher), Paper 6 (Higher)
The shortest distance from a chosen base line to the opposite vertex of a triangle, measured at right angles to that line.
The shortest distance from the chosen base to the opposite parallel side, measured at right angles to the base.
The shortest distance between the parallel sides of a trapezium, measured at right angles to them.
A length at right angles to the chosen base, used in area formulae for triangles, parallelograms and trapezia.
The shortest distance from the circular base of a cone to its vertex, measured at right angles to the base.
The shortest distance from the apex to the plane of the base, measured at right angles to the base.