What is a cylinder net?

A cylinder net is similar to an origami piece that requires folding. It is a flat rendering that becomes a cylinder when folded. Nets can be used to determine the surface area of a solid.

A two-dimensional net shows the geometric shapes that are part of the solid. Calculating the surface area of each shape and totalling those figures gives the surface area of the solid. For example, a can of frozen juice is a cylinder. To make a cylinder net, open both the top and bottom, leaving them attached. Then, make a straight cut through the tall part of the can. If this shape is carefully flattened, it becomes a cylinder net.