Solid Geometry Test Topics

The questions in the Solid Geometry Diagnostic Test are typical of those on
the Mathematics subject test. In this chapter we’ll use these questions to
review the solid geometry you’re expected to know. We will also use these
questions to demonstrate some effective problem-solving techniques,
alternative methods, and test-taking strategies that apply to solid geometry
questions.

FIVE FORMULAS YOU DON’T NEED TO MEMORIZE

Some people find solid geometry intimidating because of all those formulas.
On the Mathematics subject test, however, some of the scariest formulas are
given to you in the directions. It’s good to know what formulas are included in
the directions so you don’t waste time memorizing them—and so that you
won’t forget to memorize all the relevant formulas that are not included in the
directions. These are the formulas that are printed in the directions.

Lateral area of a cone: Given base circumference c and slant height ℓ,

The lateral area of a cone is the area of the part that extends from the vertex
to the circular base. It does not include the circular base.