Year 1 2-D and 3-D Shapes: worked examples and questions with answers
By the end of this chapter you will be able to
- Name circles, triangles, squares and rectangles
- Know that a shape keeps its name when it is big, small or turned round
- Name cubes, cuboids, pyramids, spheres, cones and cylinders
- Count the flat faces and corners of a solid shape
- Sort shapes into groups using a rule
- Find the part of a pattern that repeats and say what comes next
You should already know
- Counting to 10 (Chapter 1)
- Ordering and comparing numbers to 10 (Chapter 1)
- Shapes you have seen at nursery or in Reception
Where this leads
- Measuring length and height (Year 1 Chapter 7)
- Position and direction (Year 1 Chapter 11)
National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 1 mathematics, Year 1. Content: Recognise and name 2-D shapes: circle, triangle, square, rectangle, Recognise 2-D shapes in different sizes and turned round, Recognise and name 3-D shapes: cube, cuboid, pyramid, sphere, cone, cylinder, Sort shapes into groups, Copy and continue repeating patterns with shapes.
- 3.1 Flat shapes: circle, triangle, square and rectangle: Worksheet (PDF) · Answers (PDF) · lesson page
- 3.2 Shapes that are big, small or turned round: Worksheet (PDF) · Answers (PDF) · lesson page
- 3.3 Solid shapes with flat faces: cube, cuboid and pyramid: Worksheet (PDF) · Answers (PDF) · lesson page
- 3.4 Solid shapes with curved parts: sphere, cone and cylinder: Worksheet (PDF) · Answers (PDF) · lesson page
- 3.5 Sorting shapes into groups: Worksheet (PDF) · Answers (PDF) · lesson page
- 3.6 Shape patterns that repeat: Worksheet (PDF) · Answers (PDF) · lesson page
- Check-up and end-of-chapter quiz: Worksheet (PDF) · Answers (PDF) · lesson page
Exercise P Do you remember?
Non-calculatorMethod. Touch each dot once and say its number. The last number is how many there are.
- Count the dots. Touch each dot once, in order.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Look at the last number. The last number tells you how many there are altogether.The last number is 8.
- Write the answer. 8
Check. Count again from the other side. You get 8 again. ✓
Watch out. Move each dot as you count it, so you do not miss one.
Method. One more than 7 is the number after 7.
- Start at 7. Put your finger on it.Start: 7
- Count on one. The next number is one more.7 + 1 = 8
- Write the answer. 8
Check. Count back one to check: 8 − 1 = 7. ✓
Watch out. One more means the next number, not the same number.
Method. Put the smallest number first, then the next smallest.
- Look at the numbers. Find the smallest number first.9, 4, 7
- Put them in order. Each number is bigger than the one before it.4, 7, 9
- Write the answer. 4, 7, 9
Check. There are 3 numbers in the question and 3 in the answer. ✓
Watch out. Check you have written every number once.
Method. Compare the two numbers. The bigger number is further along the number line.
- Look at 4 and 8. Which number is further along?4 and 8
- Find the bigger number. The bigger number has more.8 is bigger than 4.
- Write the answer. 8
Check. Count on from 4 to 8, and you reach the bigger number. ✓
Watch out. Bigger means more, not a bigger picture on the page.
Method. Count on three numbers from 4.
- Start at 4. That is where we begin.Start: 4
- Count on three numbers. Each number is one more than the one before.5, 6, 7
- Write the answer. 5, 6, 7
Check. Count back from 7 to 4 to check. ✓
Watch out. Do not count the starting number as one of the three.
Flat shapes: circle, triangle, square and rectangle
Printable: Worksheet (PDF) · Answers (PDF) · Open this lesson on its own page
Some shapes are flat. We call them 2-D shapes. You can draw a flat shape on paper. It has length and width, but no depth.
Trace each shape with your finger. Count its straight sides and its corners. The sides and corners help you find the name of the shape.
Key ideas
- A circle is round. It has no corners.
- A triangle has 3 straight sides and 3 corners.
- A square has 4 straight sides that are all the same length.
- A rectangle has 4 straight sides and 4 corners.
Key words. A flat shape is 2-D. A solid shape is 3-D, so it has depth.
Method. Look at the shape, then match its facts to a name.
- Look at the shape. Is it flat, or is it solid? Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.It is a flat (2-D) shape.
- Read its facts. Each name has its own facts. Count the sides, corners or faces.It has 3 straight sides and 3 corners.
- Find the name that matches. Only one shape name has these facts.triangle
Check. Say the name out loud. Does it fit the facts? ✓
Watch out. Count the sides or faces before you say the name.
Method. Count the corners one at a time.
- Look at the square. Find each one of the corners.1, 2, 3, 4
- Count them all. The last number tells you how many there are.4 corners
- Write the answer. 4
Check. Count again from the other side. You get 4 again. ✓
Watch out. Touch each one as you count it, so you do not miss one or count one twice.
Method. Check the corners of each shape, then pick the one that matches.
- Check each shape. Look at the corners of each shape.triangle: 3, circle: 0, rectangle: 4
- Find the one that matches. Only one shape has corners 0.circle matches.
- Write the answer. circle
Check. Read the facts for circle again. ✓
Watch out. Check every shape, not just the first one you see.
Watch out
Watch out: a square and a rectangle both have 4 corners. Check that every side of a square is the same length before you say “square”.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Draw the four shapes on paper, or cut them from card. Ask: “How many corners? How many straight sides?” Let your child trace each side with a finger.
Exercise 3A Naming flat shapes
Non-calculatorKey words. A flat shape is 2-D. A solid shape is 3-D, so it has depth.
Method. Look at the shape, then match its facts to a name.
- Look at the shape. Is it flat, or is it solid? Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.It is a flat (2-D) shape.
- Read its facts. Each name has its own facts. Count the sides, corners or faces.It is round. It has no straight sides and no corners.
- Find the name that matches. Only one shape name has these facts.circle
Check. Say the name out loud. Does it fit the facts? ✓
Watch out. Count the sides or faces before you say the name.
Key words. A flat shape is 2-D. A solid shape is 3-D, so it has depth.
Method. Look at the shape, then match its facts to a name.
- Look at the shape. Is it flat, or is it solid? Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.It is a flat (2-D) shape.
- Read its facts. Each name has its own facts. Count the sides, corners or faces.It has 4 straight sides and 4 corners. The opposite sides are the same length.
- Find the name that matches. Only one shape name has these facts.rectangle
Check. Say the name out loud. Does it fit the facts? ✓
Watch out. Count the sides or faces before you say the name.
Key words. A flat shape is 2-D. A solid shape is 3-D, so it has depth.
Method. Look at the shape, then match its facts to a name.
- Look at the shape. Is it flat, or is it solid? Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.It is a flat (2-D) shape.
- Read its facts. Each name has its own facts. Count the sides, corners or faces.It has 4 straight sides, all the same length, and 4 corners.
- Find the name that matches. Only one shape name has these facts.square
Check. Say the name out loud. Does it fit the facts? ✓
Watch out. Count the sides or faces before you say the name.
Key words. A flat shape is 2-D. A solid shape is 3-D, so it has depth.
Method. Look at the shape, then match its facts to a name.
- Look at the shape. Is it flat, or is it solid? Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.It is a flat (2-D) shape.
- Read its facts. Each name has its own facts. Count the sides, corners or faces.It has 3 straight sides and 3 corners.
- Find the name that matches. Only one shape name has these facts.triangle
Check. Say the name out loud. Does it fit the facts? ✓
Watch out. Count the sides or faces before you say the name.
Method. Count the straight sides one at a time.
- Look at the triangle. Find each one of the straight sides.1, 2, 3
- Count them all. The last number tells you how many there are.3 straight sides
- Write the answer. 3
Check. Count again from the other side. You get 3 again. ✓
Watch out. Touch each one as you count it, so you do not miss one or count one twice.
Method. Count the corners one at a time.
- Look at the circle. Find each one of the corners.none to count
- Count them all. The last number tells you how many there are.0 corners
- Write the answer. 0
Check. Count again from the other side. You get 0 again. ✓
Watch out. Touch each one as you count it, so you do not miss one or count one twice.
Method. Count the corners one at a time.
- Look at the triangle. Find each one of the corners.1, 2, 3
- Count them all. The last number tells you how many there are.3 corners
- Write the answer. 3
Check. Count again from the other side. You get 3 again. ✓
Watch out. Touch each one as you count it, so you do not miss one or count one twice.
Method. Count the corners one at a time.
- Look at the square. Find each one of the corners.1, 2, 3, 4
- Count them all. The last number tells you how many there are.4 corners
- Write the answer. 4
Check. Count again from the other side. You get 4 again. ✓
Watch out. Touch each one as you count it, so you do not miss one or count one twice.
Method. Check the corners of each shape, then pick the one that matches.
- Check each shape. Look at the corners of each shape.square: 4, triangle: 3
- Find the one that matches. Only one shape has corners 4.square matches.
- Write the answer. square
Check. Read the facts for square again. ✓
Watch out. Check every shape, not just the first one you see.
Method. Check the corners of each shape, then pick the one that matches.
- Check each shape. Look at the corners of each shape.circle: 0, square: 4
- Find the one that matches. Only one shape has corners 0.circle matches.
- Write the answer. circle
Check. Read the facts for circle again. ✓
Watch out. Check every shape, not just the first one you see.
Method. Read the name, then check the facts of the shape.
- Read what the child says. Find the name they give.The name given is circle.
- Look at the shape. Check its facts.It has 4 straight sides and 4 corners. The opposite sides are the same length.
- Decide if the name fits. The name must match the facts.No. It is a rectangle, not a circle.
Check. Count the sides and corners of the shape again. ✓
Watch out. A name is only right if the facts match.
Method. Pick a shape with 4 sides, and count its corners.
- Pick a shape with 4 sides. A square has 4 straight sides.A square: 4 sides
- Count its corners. Each corner is where two sides meet.A square: 4 corners
- Decide. Every shape with 4 sides has 4 corners, so Sam is right.Yes. For example, a square has 4 sides and 4 corners.
Check. A rectangle has 4 sides and 4 corners too. ✓
Watch out. Count the sides and the corners, not the size of the shape.
Method. Check the corners of each shape, then pick the one that matches.
- Check each shape. Look at the corners of each shape.circle: 0, triangle: 3, square: 4
- Find the one that matches. Only one shape has corners 0.circle matches.
- Write the answer. circle
Check. Read the facts for circle again. ✓
Watch out. Check every shape, not just the first one you see.
Shapes that are big, small or turned round
Printable: Worksheet (PDF) · Answers (PDF) · Open this lesson on its own page
A shape is still the same shape when it is big or small. It is still the same shape when it is turned round, too. A triangle that points down is still a triangle.
Look at these four shapes. Each one is turned or a different size. Can you name each one?
Key ideas
- Size does not change the name of a shape.
- Turning a shape does not change its name.
- Count the sides and corners to check.
- A square turned onto a point is still a square.
Method. Turning a shape does not change its sides or corners.
- Count the sides of the triangle. Turning the shape does not change its sides.3 sides
- Count the corners of the triangle. Turning the shape does not change its corners.3 corners
- Decide if the name still fits. A shape with these sides and corners keeps its name.Yes. It is still a triangle.
Check. Turn a paper shape round and count again. ✓
Watch out. Do not judge a shape by the way it points. Count its sides.
Method. Turning a shape does not change its sides or corners.
- Count the sides of the square. Turning the shape does not change its sides.4 sides
- Count the corners of the square. Turning the shape does not change its corners.4 corners
- Decide if the name still fits. A shape with these sides and corners keeps its name.Yes. It is still a square.
Check. Turn a paper shape round and count again. ✓
Watch out. Do not judge a shape by the way it points. Count its sides.
Method. Count the sides and corners of each shape. Size does not change the name.
- Count the sides of the first shape. Touch each straight side.4 straight sides
- Count the sides of the second shape. Check the other shape the same way.4 straight sides
- Write the answer. The same sides and corners mean the same shape.Yes. Both have 4 straight sides and 4 corners.
Check. Both shapes have 4 corners. ✓
Watch out. Size does not change the name of a shape.
Watch out
Watch out: a shape can look different when it is turned. Do not say it is a new shape. Count its sides and corners instead.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Cut a triangle from card. Turn it round and ask: “Is it still a triangle? How do you know?” Your child can count the sides with a finger each time.
Exercise 3B Shapes that are big, small or turned round
Non-calculatorKey words. A flat shape is 2-D. A solid shape is 3-D, so it has depth.
Method. Look at the shape, then match its facts to a name.
- Look at the shape. Is it flat, or is it solid? Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.It is a flat (2-D) shape.
- Read its facts. Each name has its own facts. Count the sides, corners or faces.It has 3 straight sides and 3 corners.
- Find the name that matches. Only one shape name has these facts.triangle
Check. Say the name out loud. Does it fit the facts? ✓
Watch out. Count the sides or faces before you say the name.
Key words. A flat shape is 2-D. A solid shape is 3-D, so it has depth.
Method. Look at the shape, then match its facts to a name.
- Look at the shape. Is it flat, or is it solid? Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.It is a flat (2-D) shape.
- Read its facts. Each name has its own facts. Count the sides, corners or faces.It has 4 straight sides and 4 corners. The opposite sides are the same length.
- Find the name that matches. Only one shape name has these facts.rectangle
Check. Say the name out loud. Does it fit the facts? ✓
Watch out. Count the sides or faces before you say the name.
Key words. A flat shape is 2-D. A solid shape is 3-D, so it has depth.
Method. Look at the shape, then match its facts to a name.
- Look at the shape. Is it flat, or is it solid? Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.It is a flat (2-D) shape.
- Read its facts. Each name has its own facts. Count the sides, corners or faces.It has 4 straight sides, all the same length, and 4 corners.
- Find the name that matches. Only one shape name has these facts.square
Check. Say the name out loud. Does it fit the facts? ✓
Watch out. Count the sides or faces before you say the name.
Key words. A flat shape is 2-D. A solid shape is 3-D, so it has depth.
Method. Look at the shape, then match its facts to a name.
- Look at the shape. Is it flat, or is it solid? Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.It is a flat (2-D) shape.
- Read its facts. Each name has its own facts. Count the sides, corners or faces.It has 3 straight sides and 3 corners.
- Find the name that matches. Only one shape name has these facts.triangle
Check. Say the name out loud. Does it fit the facts? ✓
Watch out. Count the sides or faces before you say the name.
Method. Count the sides and corners of each shape. Size does not change the name.
- Count the sides of the first shape. Touch each straight side.3 straight sides
- Count the sides of the second shape. Check the other shape the same way.3 straight sides
- Write the answer. The same sides and corners mean the same shape.Yes. Both have 3 straight sides and 3 corners.
Check. Both shapes have 3 corners. ✓
Watch out. Size does not change the name of a shape.
Method. Count the straight sides one at a time.
- Look at the rectangle. Find each one of the straight sides.1, 2, 3, 4
- Count them all. The last number tells you how many there are.4 straight sides
- Write the answer. 4
Check. Count again from the other side. You get 4 again. ✓
Watch out. Touch each one as you count it, so you do not miss one or count one twice.
Method. Check each shape against the rule, then put the shapes into two groups.
- Check each shape. Check each shape: is it a square, even if it is turned?A: no B: yes C: no
- Make the group of shapes that are squares. These fit the rule. The others are not squares.Group: B
- Write the answer. B
Check. Every letter is in one group only. The other group has: A and C. ✓
Watch out. A shape can only go in one group for each rule. Check every letter.
Method. Turning a shape does not change its sides or corners.
- Count the sides of the square. Turning the shape does not change its sides.4 sides
- Count the corners of the square. Turning the shape does not change its corners.4 corners
- Decide if the name still fits. A shape with these sides and corners keeps its name.No. It is still a square.
Check. Turn a paper shape round and count again. ✓
Watch out. Do not judge a shape by the way it points. Count its sides.
Method. Check each shape against the rule, then put the shapes into two groups.
- Check each shape. Check each shape: is it a triangle, even if it is upside down?A: yes B: no C: yes D: no
- Make the group of shapes that are triangles. These fit the rule. The others are not triangles.Group: A and C
- Write the answer. A and C
Check. Every letter is in one group only. The other group has: B and D. ✓
Watch out. A shape can only go in one group for each rule. Check every letter.
Method. Turning a shape does not change its sides or corners.
- Count the sides of the rectangle. Turning the shape does not change its sides.4 sides
- Count the corners of the rectangle. Turning the shape does not change its corners.4 corners
- Decide if the name still fits. A shape with these sides and corners keeps its name.Yes. It is still a rectangle.
Check. Turn a paper shape round and count again. ✓
Watch out. Do not judge a shape by the way it points. Count its sides.
Solid shapes with flat faces: cube, cuboid and pyramid
Printable: Worksheet (PDF) · Answers (PDF) · Open this lesson on its own page
Some shapes are solid. We call them 3-D shapes. They have depth, so you can pick them up. Each flat side of a solid shape is called a face. Where faces meet, there is a corner.
A cube is like a dice. All six of its faces are squares. A cuboid is like a cereal box. A pyramid has a square base, and its triangle faces meet at a point.
Key ideas
- A face is a flat side of a solid shape.
- A cube has 6 square faces and 8 corners.
- A cuboid has 6 faces that are rectangles, and 8 corners.
- A pyramid has 5 faces and 5 corners.
Method. Count the flat faces one at a time.
- Look at the cube. Find each one of the flat faces.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Count them all. The last number tells you how many there are.6 flat faces
- Write the answer. 6
Check. Count again from the other side. You get 6 again. ✓
Watch out. Touch each one as you count it, so you do not miss one or count one twice. Some faces are on the back or underneath. Turn the real shape to count them all.
Method. Check the faces of each shape, then pick the one that matches.
- Check each shape. Look at the faces of each shape.cube: 6, cuboid: 6, pyramid: 5
- Find the one that matches. Only one shape has faces 5.pyramid matches.
- Write the answer. pyramid
Check. Read the facts for pyramid again. ✓
Watch out. Check every shape, not just the first one you see.
Method. Count the corners one at a time.
- Look at the cuboid. Find each one of the corners.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Count them all. The last number tells you how many there are.8 corners
- Write the answer. 8
Check. Count again from the other side. You get 8 again. ✓
Watch out. Touch each one as you count it, so you do not miss one or count one twice.
Watch out
Watch out: a face is flat. A ball has no flat faces, so it is not a cube. Do not mix up a flat square on paper with a solid cube.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Use a real cereal box (cuboid) and a dice or sugar cube (cube). Ask your child to touch each face and count them. Hidden faces are on the back and the bottom, so turn the box over to find them.
Exercise 3C Cubes, cuboids and pyramids
Non-calculatorKey words. A flat shape is 2-D. A solid shape is 3-D, so it has depth.
Method. Look at the shape, then match its facts to a name.
- Look at the shape. Is it flat, or is it solid? Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.It is a solid (3-D) shape.
- Read its facts. Each name has its own facts. Count the sides, corners or faces.It has 6 flat faces, and they are all squares. It has 8 corners.
- Find the name that matches. Only one shape name has these facts.cube
Check. Say the name out loud. Does it fit the facts? ✓
Watch out. Count the sides or faces before you say the name.
Key words. A flat shape is 2-D. A solid shape is 3-D, so it has depth.
Method. Look at the shape, then match its facts to a name.
- Look at the shape. Is it flat, or is it solid? Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.It is a solid (3-D) shape.
- Read its facts. Each name has its own facts. Count the sides, corners or faces.It has 6 flat faces, and they are rectangles. It has 8 corners.
- Find the name that matches. Only one shape name has these facts.cuboid
Check. Say the name out loud. Does it fit the facts? ✓
Watch out. Count the sides or faces before you say the name.
Key words. A flat shape is 2-D. A solid shape is 3-D, so it has depth.
Method. Look at the shape, then match its facts to a name.
- Look at the shape. Is it flat, or is it solid? Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.It is a solid (3-D) shape.
- Read its facts. Each name has its own facts. Count the sides, corners or faces.It has a square base and 4 triangle faces that meet at a point. It has 5 flat faces and 5 corners.
- Find the name that matches. Only one shape name has these facts.pyramid
Check. Say the name out loud. Does it fit the facts? ✓
Watch out. Count the sides or faces before you say the name.
Method. Count the flat faces one at a time.
- Look at the cube. Find each one of the flat faces.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Count them all. The last number tells you how many there are.6 flat faces
- Write the answer. 6
Check. Count again from the other side. You get 6 again. ✓
Watch out. Touch each one as you count it, so you do not miss one or count one twice. Some faces are on the back or underneath. Turn the real shape to count them all.
Method. Count the flat faces one at a time.
- Look at the pyramid. Find each one of the flat faces.1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Count them all. The last number tells you how many there are.5 flat faces
- Write the answer. 5
Check. Count again from the other side. You get 5 again. ✓
Watch out. Touch each one as you count it, so you do not miss one or count one twice. Some faces are on the back or underneath. Turn the real shape to count them all.
Method. Count the corners one at a time.
- Look at the cube. Find each one of the corners.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Count them all. The last number tells you how many there are.8 corners
- Write the answer. 8
Check. Count again from the other side. You get 8 again. ✓
Watch out. Touch each one as you count it, so you do not miss one or count one twice.
Method. Count the corners one at a time.
- Look at the cube. Find each one of the corners.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Count them all. The last number tells you how many there are.8 corners
- Write the answer. 8
Check. Count again from the other side. You get 8 again. ✓
Watch out. Touch each one as you count it, so you do not miss one or count one twice.
Method. Count the corners one at a time.
- Look at the cuboid. Find each one of the corners.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Count them all. The last number tells you how many there are.8 corners
- Write the answer. 8
Check. Count again from the other side. You get 8 again. ✓
Watch out. Touch each one as you count it, so you do not miss one or count one twice.
Method. Count the corners one at a time.
- Look at the pyramid. Find each one of the corners.1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Count them all. The last number tells you how many there are.5 corners
- Write the answer. 5
Check. Count again from the other side. You get 5 again. ✓
Watch out. Touch each one as you count it, so you do not miss one or count one twice.
Method. Check the faces of each shape, then pick the one that matches.
- Check each shape. Look at the faces of each shape.cube: 6, cuboid: 6, pyramid: 5
- Find the one that matches. Only one shape has faces 5.pyramid matches.
- Write the answer. pyramid
Check. Read the facts for pyramid again. ✓
Watch out. Check every shape, not just the first one you see.
Method. Check the corners of each shape, then pick the one that matches.
- Check each shape. Look at the corners of each shape.cube: 8, cuboid: 8, pyramid: 5
- Find the one that matches. Only one shape has corners 5.pyramid matches.
- Write the answer. pyramid
Check. Read the facts for pyramid again. ✓
Watch out. Check every shape, not just the first one you see.
Method. Count the faces of a cuboid, then compare with the number given.
- Count the faces. Count each one once.A cuboid has 6 faces.
- Compare with 5. Is the number the same?5 and 6 are not the same.
- Write the answer. No. A cuboid has 6 faces.
Check. Count again to check: 6. ✓
Watch out. Count every one, including any on the back or underneath.
Method. Count the faces and corners of each shape, then look closely at the faces.
- Count the faces of each shape. Count each flat face once.cube: 6 faces. cuboid: 6 faces.
- Count the corners of each shape. Count each corner once.cube: 8 corners. cuboid: 8 corners.
- Look at the shape of the faces. Two shapes can have the same number of faces but look different.cube: square faces. cuboid: rectangle faces.
- Write the answer. Same: 6 faces and 8 corners. Different: a cube has square faces, and a cuboid has rectangle faces.
Check. Look at the picture again. ✓
Watch out. Same number does not mean same shape. Look at the faces.
Solid shapes with curved parts: sphere, cone and cylinder
Printable: Worksheet (PDF) · Answers (PDF) · Open this lesson on its own page
Some solid shapes have curved parts. A sphere is round like a ball. It has no flat faces at all. A cone has a point at the top and one flat round face at the bottom. A cylinder has two flat round faces, a top and a bottom, and a curved side. A tin of beans is a cylinder.
Key ideas
- A sphere is round all over. It has no flat faces.
- A cone has a point at the top and one flat round face.
- A cylinder has 2 flat round faces and a curved side.
- Curved means smooth and round, not flat.
Key words. A flat shape is 2-D. A solid shape is 3-D, so it has depth.
Method. Look at the shape, then match its facts to a name.
- Look at the shape. Is it flat, or is it solid? Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.It is a solid (3-D) shape.
- Read its facts. Each name has its own facts. Count the sides, corners or faces.It is round like a ball. It has no flat faces and no corners.
- Find the name that matches. Only one shape name has these facts.sphere
Check. Say the name out loud. Does it fit the facts? ✓
Watch out. Count the sides or faces before you say the name.
Method. Check the curved side of each shape, then pick the one that matches.
- Check each shape. Look at the curved side of each shape.cube: no, cone: yes, pyramid: no
- Find the one that matches. Only one shape has curved side yes.cone matches.
- Write the answer. cone
Check. Read the facts for cone again. ✓
Watch out. Check every shape, not just the first one you see.
Method. Count the flat faces one at a time.
- Look at the cylinder. Find each one of the flat faces.1, 2
- Count them all. The last number tells you how many there are.2 flat faces
- Write the answer. 2
Check. Count again from the other side. You get 2 again. ✓
Watch out. Touch each one as you count it, so you do not miss one or count one twice. Some faces are on the back or underneath. Turn the real shape to count them all.
Watch out
Watch out: a cone and a pyramid both have a point at the top. A cone has a round flat base. A pyramid has a square base, and its sides are flat.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Put a ball, a tin and a paper cone on a table. Ask: “Which one rolls? Which one stands up on its flat bottom?” Let your child find the curved parts with their fingers.
Exercise 3D Spheres, cones and cylinders
Non-calculatorKey words. A flat shape is 2-D. A solid shape is 3-D, so it has depth.
Method. Look at the shape, then match its facts to a name.
- Look at the shape. Is it flat, or is it solid? Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.It is a solid (3-D) shape.
- Read its facts. Each name has its own facts. Count the sides, corners or faces.It is round like a ball. It has no flat faces and no corners.
- Find the name that matches. Only one shape name has these facts.sphere
Check. Say the name out loud. Does it fit the facts? ✓
Watch out. Count the sides or faces before you say the name.
Key words. A flat shape is 2-D. A solid shape is 3-D, so it has depth.
Method. Look at the shape, then match its facts to a name.
- Look at the shape. Is it flat, or is it solid? Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.It is a solid (3-D) shape.
- Read its facts. Each name has its own facts. Count the sides, corners or faces.It has a point at the top, one flat round face at the bottom, and a curved side.
- Find the name that matches. Only one shape name has these facts.cone
Check. Say the name out loud. Does it fit the facts? ✓
Watch out. Count the sides or faces before you say the name.
Key words. A flat shape is 2-D. A solid shape is 3-D, so it has depth.
Method. Look at the shape, then match its facts to a name.
- Look at the shape. Is it flat, or is it solid? Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.It is a solid (3-D) shape.
- Read its facts. Each name has its own facts. Count the sides, corners or faces.It has 2 flat round faces, a top and a bottom, and a curved side.
- Find the name that matches. Only one shape name has these facts.cylinder
Check. Say the name out loud. Does it fit the facts? ✓
Watch out. Count the sides or faces before you say the name.
Method. Check the flat faces of each shape, then pick the one that matches.
- Check each shape. Look at the flat faces of each shape.sphere: 0, cylinder: 2, cone: 1
- Find the one that matches. Only one shape has flat faces 2.cylinder matches.
- Write the answer. cylinder
Check. Read the facts for cylinder again. ✓
Watch out. Check every shape, not just the first one you see.
Method. Count the flat faces one at a time.
- Look at the cone. Find each one of the flat faces.1
- Count them all. The last number tells you how many there are.1 flat faces
- Write the answer. 1
Check. Count again from the other side. You get 1 again. ✓
Watch out. Touch each one as you count it, so you do not miss one or count one twice. Some faces are on the back or underneath. Turn the real shape to count them all.
Method. Check the flat faces of each shape, then pick the one that matches.
- Check each shape. Look at the flat faces of each shape.cube: 6, sphere: 0, cone: 1
- Find the one that matches. Only one shape has flat faces 0.sphere matches.
- Write the answer. sphere
Check. Read the facts for sphere again. ✓
Watch out. Check every shape, not just the first one you see.
Method. Check the flat faces of each shape, then pick the one that matches.
- Check each shape. Look at the flat faces of each shape.pyramid: 5, cone: 1, cube: 6
- Find the one that matches. Only one shape has flat faces 1.cone matches.
- Write the answer. cone
Check. Read the facts for cone again. ✓
Watch out. Check every shape, not just the first one you see.
Method. Check the curved parts of each shape, then pick the one that matches.
- Check each shape. Look at the curved parts of each shape.sphere: yes, cylinder: yes, cube: no
- Find the one that matches. Only one shape has curved parts no.cube matches.
- Write the answer. cube
Check. Read the facts for cube again. ✓
Watch out. Check every shape, not just the first one you see.
Method. Think about each shape and how it moves.
- Think about the ball. A ball is a sphere. It is round all over.ball = sphere, round all over
- Think about the tin. A tin is a cylinder. It rolls only along its side.tin = cylinder, rolls in a line
- Decide which rolls in every direction. Only a round ball rolls in every direction.sphere
Check. Roll a ball and a tin on a table to check. ✓
Watch out. A tin does not roll in every direction.
Method. Count the flat faces of a cone, then compare with the number given.
- Count the flat faces. Count each one once.A cone has 1 flat face.
- Compare with 2. Is the number the same?2 and 1 are not the same.
- Write the answer. No. A cone has 1 flat face.
Check. Count again to check: 1. ✓
Watch out. Count every one, including any on the back or underneath.
Method. Look for a curved part on each shape.
- Look at the sphere. Check for curved parts.It is round like a ball. It has no flat faces and no corners.
- Look at the cylinder. Check for curved parts.It has 2 flat round faces, a top and a bottom, and a curved side.
- Decide. Both have a curved part, so the answer is yes.Yes. Both have curved parts.
Check. Point to the curved part on each shape. ✓
Watch out. A flat face is not curved. Look for the part that is round.
Sorting shapes into groups
Printable: Worksheet (PDF) · Answers (PDF) · Open this lesson on its own page
Sorting means putting things into groups. First we choose a rule, such as “is flat” or “has 4 corners”. Then each shape goes in the group that fits the rule.
For one rule, each shape goes in one group only. Look at each shape carefully before you choose its group.
Key ideas
- A rule tells you which group a shape goes in.
- Each shape goes in one group for each rule.
- Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.
- Check every shape against the rule, one at a time.
Method. Check each shape against the rule, then put the shapes into two groups.
- Check each shape. Is each shape flat or solid? Flat shapes can be drawn on paper.A: yes B: no C: yes D: no
- Make the group of shapes that are flat (2-D). These fit the rule. The others are solid (3-D).Group: A and C
- Write the answer. A and C
Check. Every letter is in one group only. The other group has: B and D. ✓
Watch out. A shape can only go in one group for each rule. Check every letter.
Method. Check each shape against the rule, then put the shapes into two groups.
- Check each shape. Count the corners of each shape. Which shapes have 4?A: yes B: no C: yes D: no
- Make the group of shapes that have 4 corners. These fit the rule. The others do not have 4 corners.Group: A and C
- Write the answer. A and C
Check. Every letter is in one group only. The other group has: B and D. ✓
Watch out. A shape can only go in one group for each rule. Check every letter.
Method. Check each shape against the rule, then put the shapes into two groups.
- Check each shape. Look for a curved part on each shape. Does it have one?A: no B: yes C: yes D: no
- Make the group of shapes that have a curved part. These fit the rule. The others do not have a curved part.Group: B and C
- Write the answer. B and C
Check. Every letter is in one group only. The other group has: A and D. ✓
Watch out. A shape can only go in one group for each rule. Check every letter.
Watch out
Watch out: sort by one rule at a time. A circle is flat, but a sphere is solid. Look at the shape, not its colour or its size.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Mix up a few real things, such as a tin, a ball, a box and a card. Ask your child to sort them into two boxes, then to say the rule. Ask: “Why does this one go here?”
Exercise 3E Sorting shapes
Non-calculatorMethod. Check each shape against the rule, then put the shapes into two groups.
- Check each shape. Is each shape flat or solid?A: yes B: yes C: no D: no
- Make the group of shapes that are flat (2-D). These fit the rule. The others are solid (3-D).Group: A and B
- Write the answer. A and B
Check. Every letter is in one group only. The other group has: C and D. ✓
Watch out. A shape can only go in one group for each rule. Check every letter.
Method. Check each shape against the rule, then put the shapes into two groups.
- Check each shape. Is each shape flat or solid?A: no B: yes C: yes D: no
- Make the group of shapes that are solid (3-D). These fit the rule. The others are flat (2-D).Group: B and C
- Write the answer. B and C
Check. Every letter is in one group only. The other group has: A and D. ✓
Watch out. A shape can only go in one group for each rule. Check every letter.
Method. Check each shape against the rule, then put the shapes into two groups.
- Check each shape. Count the corners of each shape.A: no B: no C: yes D: no
- Make the group of shapes that have 4 corners. These fit the rule. The others do not have 4 corners.Group: C
- Write the answer. C
Check. Every letter is in one group only. The other group has: A, B and D. ✓
Watch out. A shape can only go in one group for each rule. Check every letter.
Method. Check each shape against the rule, then put the shapes into two groups.
- Check each shape. Look for a curved part on each shape.A: no B: yes C: no D: yes
- Make the group of shapes that have a curved part. These fit the rule. The others do not have a curved part.Group: B and D
- Write the answer. B and D
Check. Every letter is in one group only. The other group has: A and C. ✓
Watch out. A shape can only go in one group for each rule. Check every letter.
Method. Look for the shape that is different from the others.
- Check the same feature for each shape. We look at solid for each one.circle: no, square: no, triangle: no, cube: yes
- Find the one that is different. Only one shape does not match the others.cube is different.
- Write the answer. cube. It is solid. The others are flat.
Check. Check that the other shapes all match each other. ✓
Watch out. Look for the one that does not fit the rule, not the one you like best.
Method. Look for the shape that is different from the others.
- Check the same feature for each shape. We look at curved for each one.cone: yes, cylinder: yes, sphere: yes, cuboid: no
- Find the one that is different. Only one shape does not match the others.cuboid is different.
- Write the answer. cuboid. It has no curved part. The others have curved parts.
Check. Check that the other shapes all match each other. ✓
Watch out. Look for the one that does not fit the rule, not the one you like best.
Method. Sort the shapes into flat and solid, then count each group.
- Sort the shapes. Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.Flat: circle, triangle, square. Solid: cube, sphere, cone.
- Count each group. Count the shapes in each group.Flat: 3. Solid: 3.
- Write the answer. 3 flat shapes and 3 solid shapes
Check. 3 + 3 = 6 shapes altogether. ✓
Watch out. Make sure every shape is in one group.
Method. Flat shapes can be drawn on paper. Solid shapes have depth.
- Look at the shape. Ask: can I draw it flat, or is it solid?A circle is flat (2-D).
- Answer yes or no. Yes means it is flat.yes
Check. A solid shape has depth, so you can pick it up. ✓
Watch out. A flat shape has no depth.
Method. Flat shapes can be drawn on paper. Solid shapes have depth.
- Look at the shape. Ask: can I draw it flat, or is it solid?A cube is solid (3-D).
- Answer yes or no. Yes means it is flat.no
Check. A solid shape has depth, so you can pick it up. ✓
Watch out. A flat shape has no depth.
Method. Flat shapes can be drawn on paper. Solid shapes have depth.
- Look at the shape. Ask: can I draw it flat, or is it solid?A cylinder is solid (3-D).
- Answer yes or no. Yes means it is flat.no
Check. A solid shape has depth, so you can pick it up. ✓
Watch out. A flat shape has no depth.
Method. Count the corners of the circle, then check where Mia put it.
- Look at the circle. Count its corners.A circle has 0 corners.
- Check where Mia put it. A shape with no corners goes in the “no corners” group.Mia put it in the wrong group.
- Write the answer. No. A circle has no corners.
Check. A triangle has 3 corners and a square has 4. ✓
Watch out. A circle is round, with no corners.
Method. Count the flat faces of each shape. Look for a group that works.
- Count the faces of the cube. Count each flat face.Cube: 6 flat faces
- Count the faces of the cylinder. The top and the bottom are flat.Cylinder: 2 flat faces
- Count the faces of the sphere. A ball has no flat faces.Sphere: 0 flat faces
- Write the rule. The cube and the cylinder have flat faces. The sphere does not.Rule: has flat faces. The cube and the cylinder have flat faces, and the sphere has none.
Check. Check the rule on each shape: 6, 2 and 0 flat faces. ✓
Watch out. Other rules can work too, such as “is solid”. Check that your rule puts the sphere in the other group.
Method. Count the straight sides of each shape. A circle has none.
- Check each shape. Does it have straight sides?triangle: 3 sides, square: 4 sides, rectangle: 4 sides, circle: 0 sides
- Count the shapes with straight sides. Only count the shapes with straight sides.3 shapes have straight sides.
- Compare with the claim. The claim says 3.Yes. The triangle, square and rectangle have straight sides.
Check. Count the shapes again: triangle, square and rectangle. ✓
Watch out. A circle has no straight sides, so it does not count.
Shape patterns that repeat
Printable: Worksheet (PDF) · Answers (PDF) · Open this lesson on its own page
A pattern is something that repeats again and again. Look at these shapes: a circle, a square, a circle, a square. What comes next? The pattern is circle, square. It keeps going.
To find what comes next, first find the part that repeats. Then copy it on to the gap.
Key ideas
- A pattern repeats. Find the part that repeats.
- A repeating part can be 2 shapes or 3 shapes.
- Copy the repeating part on to the gap.
- Check that the pattern still goes the same way.
Method. Find the part that repeats, then copy it on.
- Find the part that repeats. Look for the smallest group that comes back again and again.Repeat: square, circle
- Copy the pattern on to the gap. Keep the same order, one shape at a time.shape 5 is square
- Write the missing shape. square
Check. Read the pattern again. It goes square, circle, then square, circle again. ✓
Watch out. Do not guess. Look at the shapes before the gap and copy the repeat.
Method. Find the part that repeats, then copy it on.
- Find the part that repeats. Look for the smallest group that comes back again and again.Repeat: triangle, triangle, square
- Copy the pattern on to the gap. Keep the same order, one shape at a time.shape 7 is triangle
- Write the missing shape. triangle
Check. Read the pattern again. It goes triangle, triangle, square, then triangle, triangle, square again. ✓
Watch out. Do not guess. Look at the shapes before the gap and copy the repeat.
Method. Find the part that repeats, then copy it on.
- Find the part that repeats. Look for the smallest group that comes back again and again.Repeat: circle, square, square
- Copy the pattern on to the gap. Keep the same order, one shape at a time.shape 7 is circle
- Write the missing shape. circle
Check. Read the pattern again. It goes circle, square, square, then circle, square, square again. ✓
Watch out. Do not guess. Look at the shapes before the gap and copy the repeat.
Watch out
Watch out: check the whole repeating part. In circle, square, square the repeat has 3 shapes, not 2. The 4th shape is a circle again, not a square.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Make a pattern with buttons or coins, such as big, small, small. Ask your child to point to the part that repeats and to copy it on to the next gap.
Exercise 3F Repeating patterns
Non-calculatorMethod. Find the part that repeats, then copy it on.
- Find the part that repeats. Look for the smallest group that comes back again and again.Repeat: circle, square
- Copy the pattern on to the gap. Keep the same order, one shape at a time.shape 5 is circle
- Write the missing shape. circle
Check. Read the pattern again. It goes circle, square, then circle, square again. ✓
Watch out. Do not guess. Look at the shapes before the gap and copy the repeat.
Method. Find the part that repeats, then copy it on.
- Find the part that repeats. Look for the smallest group that comes back again and again.Repeat: triangle, square
- Copy the pattern on to the gap. Keep the same order, one shape at a time.shape 6 is square
- Write the missing shape. square
Check. Read the pattern again. It goes triangle, square, then triangle, square again. ✓
Watch out. Do not guess. Look at the shapes before the gap and copy the repeat.
Method. Find the part that repeats, then copy it on.
- Find the part that repeats. Look for the smallest group that comes back again and again.Repeat: circle, circle, square
- Copy the pattern on to the gap. Keep the same order, one shape at a time.shape 6 is square
- Write the missing shape. square
Check. Read the pattern again. It goes circle, circle, square, then circle, circle, square again. ✓
Watch out. Do not guess. Look at the shapes before the gap and copy the repeat.
Method. Find the part that repeats, then copy it on.
- Find the part that repeats. Look for the smallest group that comes back again and again.Repeat: circle, triangle, square
- Copy the pattern on to the gap. Keep the same order, one shape at a time.shape 2 is triangle; shape 5 is triangle
- Write the missing shape. triangle, triangle
Check. Read the pattern again. It goes circle, triangle, square, then circle, triangle, square again. ✓
Watch out. Do not guess. Look at the shapes before the gap and copy the repeat.
Method. Find the part that repeats, then copy it on.
- Find the part that repeats. Look for the smallest group that comes back again and again.Repeat: triangle, circle, circle
- Copy the pattern on to the gap. Keep the same order, one shape at a time.shape 9 is circle
- Write the missing shape. circle
Check. Read the pattern again. It goes triangle, circle, circle, then triangle, circle, circle again. ✓
Watch out. Do not guess. Look at the shapes before the gap and copy the repeat.
Method. Find the part that repeats, then copy it on.
- Find the part that repeats. Look for the smallest group that comes back again and again.Repeat: square, circle, triangle
- Copy the pattern on to the gap. Keep the same order, one shape at a time.shape 7 is square
- Write the missing shape. square
Check. Read the pattern again. It goes square, circle, triangle, then square, circle, triangle again. ✓
Watch out. Do not guess. Look at the shapes before the gap and copy the repeat.
Method. Find the part that repeats, then copy it on.
- Find the part that repeats. Look for the smallest group that comes back again and again.Repeat: circle, square
- Copy the pattern on to the gap. Keep the same order, one shape at a time.shape 5 is circle; shape 6 is square
- Write the missing shape. circle, square
Check. Read the pattern again. It goes circle, square, then circle, square again. ✓
Watch out. Do not guess. Look at the shapes before the gap and copy the repeat.
Method. Find the part that repeats, then copy it on.
- Find the part that repeats. Look for the smallest group that comes back again and again.Repeat: circle, square
- Copy the pattern on to the gap. Keep the same order, one shape at a time.shape 4 is square
- Write the missing shape. square
Check. Read the pattern again. It goes circle, square, then circle, square again. ✓
Watch out. Do not guess. Look at the shapes before the gap and copy the repeat.
Method. Find the part that repeats, then copy it on.
- Find the part that repeats. Look for the smallest group that comes back again and again.Repeat: triangle, triangle, circle
- Copy the pattern on to the gap. Keep the same order, one shape at a time.shape 6 is circle
- Write the missing shape. circle
Check. Read the pattern again. It goes triangle, triangle, circle, then triangle, triangle, circle again. ✓
Watch out. Do not guess. Look at the shapes before the gap and copy the repeat.
Method. Find the part that repeats, then copy it on.
- Find the part that repeats. Look for the smallest group that comes back again and again.Repeat: square, triangle, triangle
- Copy the pattern on to the gap. Keep the same order, one shape at a time.shape 5 is triangle
- Write the missing shape. triangle
Check. Read the pattern again. It goes square, triangle, triangle, then square, triangle, triangle again. ✓
Watch out. Do not guess. Look at the shapes before the gap and copy the repeat.
Method. Find the part that repeats, then copy it on.
- Find the part that repeats. Look for the smallest group that comes back again and again.Repeat: rectangle, circle
- Copy the pattern on to the gap. Keep the same order, one shape at a time.shape 6 is circle
- Write the missing shape. circle
Check. Read the pattern again. It goes rectangle, circle, then rectangle, circle again. ✓
Watch out. Do not guess. Look at the shapes before the gap and copy the repeat.
Method. Look at the pattern. The shapes take turns: cube, sphere, cube, sphere, cube.
- Look at the pattern. The shapes go cube, sphere, cube, sphere, cube.cube, sphere, cube, sphere, cube
- Find the next shape. After a cube comes a sphere, because the shapes take turns.cube, sphere, cube, sphere, cube, sphere
- Write the answer. sphere
Check. The shape after each sphere is a cube, so the one after the last cube is a sphere. ✓
Watch out. Do not copy the last shape. Look at which shape came before it.
Method. Find the part that repeats, then copy it on.
- Find the part that repeats. Look for the smallest group that comes back again and again.Repeat: circle, square, triangle
- Copy the pattern on to the gap. Keep the same order, one shape at a time.shape 10 is circle
- Write the missing shape. Yes, he is right. The 10th shape is a circle.
Check. Read the pattern again. It goes circle, square, triangle, then circle, square, triangle again. ✓
Watch out. Do not guess. Look at the shapes before the gap and copy the repeat.
Chapter summary
| Skill | Method |
|---|---|
| Name flat shapes | Count the straight sides and corners, then name the shape. A circle has no corners. |
| Big, small and turned | Size and turning do not change the name. Count the sides to check. |
| Name solid shapes | Count the flat faces and corners. A cube has 6 faces and 8 corners. A pyramid has 5 faces. |
| Curved solids | A sphere is round, a cone has a point, and a cylinder has 2 flat round faces. |
| Sort shapes | Choose one rule. Put each shape in the group that fits the rule. |
| Patterns | Find the part that repeats, then copy it on to the gap. |
Can you…?
- I can name a circle, a triangle, a square and a rectangle
- I know a turned or bigger shape keeps its name
- I can name a cube, a cuboid and a pyramid, and count their faces
- I can name a sphere, a cone and a cylinder
- I can sort shapes into groups using a rule
- I can find the repeating part of a pattern and say what comes next
Key terms
- 2-D shape
- a flat shape that can be drawn on paper, such as a square
- 3-D shape
- a solid shape with depth, such as a cube
- side
- a straight edge of a flat shape
- corner
- a point where two sides or edges meet
- face
- a flat side of a solid shape
- curved
- smooth and round, with no straight edges
- sort
- to put things into groups using a rule
- pattern
- something that repeats again and again
Exercise 3Z Check-up
Non-calculatorKey words. A flat shape is 2-D. A solid shape is 3-D, so it has depth.
Method. Look at the shape, then match its facts to a name.
- Look at the shape. Is it flat, or is it solid? Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.It is a flat (2-D) shape.
- Read its facts. Each name has its own facts. Count the sides, corners or faces.It has 3 straight sides and 3 corners.
- Find the name that matches. Only one shape name has these facts.triangle
Check. Say the name out loud. Does it fit the facts? ✓
Watch out. Count the sides or faces before you say the name.
Method. Count the corners one at a time.
- Look at the square. Find each one of the corners.1, 2, 3, 4
- Count them all. The last number tells you how many there are.4 corners
- Write the answer. 4
Check. Count again from the other side. You get 4 again. ✓
Watch out. Touch each one as you count it, so you do not miss one or count one twice.
Key words. A flat shape is 2-D. A solid shape is 3-D, so it has depth.
Method. Look at the shape, then match its facts to a name.
- Look at the shape. Is it flat, or is it solid? Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.It is a solid (3-D) shape.
- Read its facts. Each name has its own facts. Count the sides, corners or faces.It has 6 flat faces, and they are all squares. It has 8 corners.
- Find the name that matches. Only one shape name has these facts.cube
Check. Say the name out loud. Does it fit the facts? ✓
Watch out. Count the sides or faces before you say the name.
Method. Check the curved side of each shape, then pick the one that matches.
- Check each shape. Look at the curved side of each shape.cube: no, pyramid: no, cone: yes
- Find the one that matches. Only one shape has curved side yes.cone matches.
- Write the answer. cone
Check. Read the facts for cone again. ✓
Watch out. Check every shape, not just the first one you see.
Method. Find the part that repeats, then copy it on.
- Find the part that repeats. Look for the smallest group that comes back again and again.Repeat: triangle, square, square
- Copy the pattern on to the gap. Keep the same order, one shape at a time.shape 6 is square
- Write the missing shape. square
Check. Read the pattern again. It goes triangle, square, square, then triangle, square, square again. ✓
Watch out. Do not guess. Look at the shapes before the gap and copy the repeat.
Method. Turning a shape does not change its sides or corners.
- Count the sides of the triangle. Turning the shape does not change its sides.3 sides
- Count the corners of the triangle. Turning the shape does not change its corners.3 corners
- Decide if the name still fits. A shape with these sides and corners keeps its name.Yes. It is still a triangle.
Check. Turn a paper shape round and count again. ✓
Watch out. Do not judge a shape by the way it points. Count its sides.
Method. Count the flat faces one at a time.
- Look at the cuboid. Find each one of the flat faces.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Count them all. The last number tells you how many there are.6 flat faces
- Write the answer. 6
Check. Count again from the other side. You get 6 again. ✓
Watch out. Touch each one as you count it, so you do not miss one or count one twice. Some faces are on the back or underneath. Turn the real shape to count them all.
Method. Check each shape against the rule, then put the shapes into two groups.
- Check each shape. Is each shape flat or solid?A: yes B: no C: yes D: no
- Make the group of shapes that are flat (2-D). These fit the rule. The others are solid (3-D).Group: A and C
- Write the answer. A and C
Check. Every letter is in one group only. The other group has: B and D. ✓
Watch out. A shape can only go in one group for each rule. Check every letter.
Method. Check the straight sides of each shape, then pick the one that matches.
- Check each shape. Look at the straight sides of each shape.triangle: 3, circle: 0, square: 4
- Find the one that matches. Only one shape has straight sides 0.circle matches.
- Write the answer. circle
Check. Read the facts for circle again. ✓
Watch out. Check every shape, not just the first one you see.
Method. Check the flat faces of each shape, then pick the one that matches.
- Check each shape. Look at the flat faces of each shape.cone: 1, cylinder: 2, sphere: 0
- Find the one that matches. Only one shape has flat faces 1.cone matches.
- Write the answer. cone
Check. Read the facts for cone again. ✓
Watch out. Check every shape, not just the first one you see.
Total 15 marks. Allow about 15 minutes.
Exercise 3X End-of-chapter quiz
Non-calculatorKey words. A flat shape is 2-D. A solid shape is 3-D, so it has depth.
Method. Look at the shape, then match its facts to a name.
- Look at the shape. Is it flat, or is it solid? Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.It is a flat (2-D) shape.
- Read its facts. Each name has its own facts. Count the sides, corners or faces.It is round. It has no straight sides and no corners.
- Find the name that matches. Only one shape name has these facts.circle
Check. Say the name out loud. Does it fit the facts? ✓
Watch out. Count the sides or faces before you say the name.
Method. Count the straight sides one at a time.
- Look at the square. Find each one of the straight sides.1, 2, 3, 4
- Count them all. The last number tells you how many there are.4 straight sides
- Write the answer. 4
Check. Count again from the other side. You get 4 again. ✓
Watch out. Touch each one as you count it, so you do not miss one or count one twice.
Key words. A flat shape is 2-D. A solid shape is 3-D, so it has depth.
Method. Look at the shape, then match its facts to a name.
- Look at the shape. Is it flat, or is it solid? Flat shapes are 2-D. Solid shapes are 3-D.It is a solid (3-D) shape.
- Read its facts. Each name has its own facts. Count the sides, corners or faces.It is round like a ball. It has no flat faces and no corners.
- Find the name that matches. Only one shape name has these facts.sphere
Check. Say the name out loud. Does it fit the facts? ✓
Watch out. Count the sides or faces before you say the name.
Method. Check each shape against the rule, then put the shapes into two groups.
- Check each shape. Check each shape: is it a triangle?A: no B: yes C: no
- Make the group of shapes that are triangles. These fit the rule. The others are not triangles.Group: B
- Write the answer. B
Check. Every letter is in one group only. The other group has: A and C. ✓
Watch out. A shape can only go in one group for each rule. Check every letter.
Method. Turning a shape does not change its sides or corners.
- Count the sides of the rectangle. Turning the shape does not change its sides.4 sides
- Count the corners of the rectangle. Turning the shape does not change its corners.4 corners
- Decide if the name still fits. A shape with these sides and corners keeps its name.Yes. It is still a rectangle.
Check. Turn a paper shape round and count again. ✓
Watch out. Do not judge a shape by the way it points. Count its sides.
Method. Check each shape against the rule, then put the shapes into two groups.
- Check each shape. Look for a curved part on each shape.A: no B: yes C: no D: yes
- Make the group of shapes that have a curved part. These fit the rule. The others do not have a curved part.Group: B and D
- Write the answer. B and D
Check. Every letter is in one group only. The other group has: A and C. ✓
Watch out. A shape can only go in one group for each rule. Check every letter.
Method. Count the flat faces one at a time.
- Look at the cylinder. Find each one of the flat faces.1, 2
- Count them all. The last number tells you how many there are.2 flat faces
- Write the answer. 2
Check. Count again from the other side. You get 2 again. ✓
Watch out. Touch each one as you count it, so you do not miss one or count one twice. Some faces are on the back or underneath. Turn the real shape to count them all.
Method. Count the corners of a pyramid, then compare with the number given.
- Count the corners. Count each one once.A pyramid has 5 corners.
- Compare with 4. Is the number the same?4 and 5 are not the same.
- Write the answer. No. A pyramid has 5 corners.
Check. Count again to check: 5. ✓
Watch out. Count every one, including any on the back or underneath.
Method. Find the part that repeats, then copy it on.
- Find the part that repeats. Look for the smallest group that comes back again and again.Repeat: circle, triangle
- Copy the pattern on to the gap. Keep the same order, one shape at a time.shape 6 is triangle
- Write the missing shape. triangle
Check. Read the pattern again. It goes circle, triangle, then circle, triangle again. ✓
Watch out. Do not guess. Look at the shapes before the gap and copy the repeat.
Method. Check each shape against the rule, then put the shapes into two groups.
- Check each shape. Is each shape flat or solid?A: no B: yes C: yes D: no
- Make the group of shapes that are solid (3-D). These fit the rule. The others are flat (2-D).Group: B and C
- Write the answer. B and C
Check. Every letter is in one group only. The other group has: A and D. ✓
Watch out. A shape can only go in one group for each rule. Check every letter.