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Cross Sections of Cylinders: Shapes, Area, and Examples

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Types of Cross Sections of a Cylinder and Their Formulas

The square root of 32 is a topic that holds special significance in mathematics, especially for students preparing for school and competitive exams such as JEE and NEET. Understanding how to find and simplify the square root of a number like 32 builds strong analytical skills used in algebra, geometry, and other mathematical fields.


What is the Square Root of 32?

The square root of 32 is a number which, when multiplied by itself, gives the value 32. Using mathematical notation, if √32 = x, then x × x = 32. The square root of 32 in radical (simplest) form is 4√2, and in decimal form, it is approximately 5.656.


Is the Square Root of 32 Rational or Irrational?

The square root of 32 is an irrational number. This means it cannot be expressed as a simple fraction in the form p/q, where p and q are integers and q ≠ 0. Its decimal representation, 5.656... (non-terminating and non-repeating), further confirms that it is irrational.


Methods to Find the Square Root of 32

There are two main methods used to find the square root of 32 – prime factorization and the long division method. These strategies allow us to express and calculate square roots both exactly and approximately.


1. Prime Factorization Method

  1. Break 32 into its prime factors: 32 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 25
  2. Pair the factors for ease of extraction: (2 × 2) × (2 × 2) × 2
  3. Take one number out from each pair: 2 × 2 = 4
  4. The remaining factor is 2 (unpaired).

So, √32 = 4√2


2. Long Division Method

  1. Place a bar over 32 to pair the digits (if you’re going into decimals, pair zeros in twos).
  2. Find the largest number whose square is less than or equal to 32. That number is 5 (because 5 × 5 = 25).
  3. Subtract 25 from 32 to get a remainder of 7.
  4. Bring down a pair of zeros to make 700. Double the quotient so far (5 × 2 = 10) and use as a new divisor prefix.
  5. Continue the process to a desired decimal place; doing so gives approximately 5.656.

This matches the earlier decimal result!


Simplified Value and Properties

  • Simplest radical form: √32 = 4√2
  • Decimal value: √32 ≈ 5.656
  • Exponent form: 321/2
  • Opposite roots: +5.656 and -5.656

Worked Examples on Square Root of 32

Example 1

A square plot has an area of 32 m2. What is the length of each side?

  1. The area of a square is side2. The side = √32 = 4√2 = 5.656 m (rounded to 3 decimals).

Example 2

If the cost to fence 1 meter of perimeter is ₹150, what will be the total cost to fence the entire plot?

  1. Perimeter = 4 × side = 4 × 5.656 = 22.624 m
  2. Total cost = 22.624 × 150 = ₹3393.60

Example 3

Express the square root of 32 as a product of a rational and an irrational number.

  1. √32 = 4√2 (4 is rational, √2 is irrational)

Practice Problems

  • Write the square root of 32 in its simplest radical form.
  • Use the long division method to find √32 up to 2 decimal places.
  • If the area of a square is 32 cm2, what is its perimeter?
  • Is 5.656 a rational or irrational number? Explain why.
  • Find two consecutive integers between which √32 lies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not breaking down 32 completely into prime factors; always factorize until only primes remain.
  • Forgetting to simplify the radical (e.g., leaving it as √32 instead of 4√2).
  • Assuming all square roots can be written as rational numbers.
  • Applying formulas for perfect squares directly, even though 32 is not a perfect square.

Real-World Applications

The square root of 32 and similar calculations are essential when working with measurements in geometry, for example in figuring out the length of a square’s side when the area is given. Such skills are commonly used in construction, land measurement, mapping, computer graphics, and scientific research. At Vedantu, we help make these concepts relatable through real-life contexts and solved examples.


At Vedantu, we simplify complex concepts like the square root of 32 using both stepwise explanations and practical examples, enabling students to master both the theory and applications crucial for academic success and daily life.


In this topic, you learned how to find and simplify the square root of 32 using different methods. Knowing how to approach such roots makes you better prepared for both school exams and higher-level mathematics, while also sharpening problem-solving abilities for real-world scenarios.


FAQs on Cross Sections of Cylinders: Shapes, Area, and Examples

1. What is a cross section of a cylinder?

A cross section of a cylinder is the two-dimensional shape created when a plane intersects the cylinder. The shape depends on the angle of the plane relative to the cylinder's axis.

2. What is the formula for the cross-sectional area of a cylinder?

The cross-sectional area formula depends on the type of cross-section. For a horizontal cross-section (parallel to the base), it's a circle with area = πr², where 'r' is the radius. A vertical cross-section (perpendicular to the base) is a rectangle with area = diameter × height. An angled cross-section is an ellipse; its area calculation is more complex.

3. What shapes can you get from slicing a cylinder?

Slicing a cylinder produces various shapes: A circle (horizontal cut), a rectangle (vertical cut), and an ellipse (angled cut).

4. How can I calculate the cross-sectional area for a pipe or wire?

For a pipe or wire, the cross-section is typically a circle. Use the formula: Area = πr², where 'r' is the inner radius of the pipe or wire. Remember to use consistent units (e.g., cm, meters).

5. Why are cross sections useful?

Cross sections are crucial in many applications. They help determine the flow rate in pipes, calculate the volume of tanks, and are essential in engineering and construction designs. Understanding cross-sections is vital for solving problems related to solid geometry and measurement.

6. What is the cross-section of a cylindrical pipe?

The cross-section of a cylindrical pipe is typically a circle, representing the inner area of the pipe. This area is important for calculating flow rate and other fluid dynamics properties. The calculation uses the formula: Area = πr², where r is the inner radius.

7. What is a cross-section area in a measuring cylinder?

In a measuring cylinder, the cross-sectional area refers to the area of the cylinder's circular base. This area is used to calculate the volume of liquid held at a given height using the formula: Volume = Area × Height. Understanding the cross-sectional area is crucial in understanding the volume measurement.

8. What is the vertical cross section of a cylinder?

A vertical cross-section of a cylinder is a rectangle. Its area is calculated by multiplying the diameter of the cylinder's base by its height.

9. What is the horizontal cross section of a cylinder?

A horizontal cross-section of a cylinder is a circle. Its area is calculated using the formula: Area = πr², where r is the radius of the cylinder's base.

10. What is the area of an angled cross section of a cylinder?

An angled cross-section of a cylinder results in an ellipse. Calculating the area of this ellipse requires more advanced formulas involving the cylinder's radius and the angle of the cut. It's generally more complex than calculating a circular or rectangular cross section.

11. How does the cross-sectional area relate to the volume of a cylinder?

The volume of a cylinder is directly related to its cross-sectional area. The formula is: Volume = Area × Height. Therefore, knowing the cross-sectional area (πr² for a horizontal cut) is crucial for calculating the cylinder’s volume.