Cone Shape

by Daisy, Jun 27 2023

Definition

Do you love eating ice cream or wearing party hats? Guess what—both of these fun things share a special shape called a "cone!" A cone shape is like a 3D ice cream cone or party hat with a pointy top, known as the apex or vertex. The bottom of a cone has a flat, round surface, just like where your ice cream scoop sits or where your head fits in the party hat. And a fun fact: cones have no edges!
Are you ready to learn more about this cool cone shape? Join me as we discover its different types, special features, and even solve some cone-shaped puzzles!

The Three Magical Parts of the Cone

A cone shape has three super important parts. Let's learn what they are!

Radius: The radius (we'll call it 'r') is the distance from the middle of the cone's base to any point on the round edge, like the length of a piece of string from the center of the ice cream to the edge of the cone!
Height: The height (let's use 'h') is the distance from the cone's pointy top (vertex) to the middle of its base, just like measuring how tall your party hat is!
Slant Height: This is the slanty length ('l') that goes from the cone's pointy top (vertex) to any point on the round edge of the base, like sliding down a twisty slide from the top of your party hat to the edge!

Now you know the secrets of the cone shape's magical parts! Have fun exploring cones and imagine yourself sliding on their slant heights!

Types of Cone Shapes

Do you know there are two kinds of cone shapes? It's true! The difference between them depends on where their pointy tops (vertex) are placed. Ready to meet these two cone shapes? Let's go!

Right Circular Cone: In this cone, the pointy vertex is like an arrow pointing straight down, right at the centre of the round base. The height is like a super straight string connecting the vertex to the centre and makes a perfect square corner with the base. This cone is super popular and you'll see it a lot in geometry!
Oblique Cone: In this cone, the pointy vertex is a bit cheeky—it's not right above the centre of the round base. Instead, it's off to the side, making the height lean and not form a square corner with the base. This cone looks like a playful, slanted, or tilted party hat!