In a volume formula, what does 'r' usually stand for?

In the context of volume formulas, 'r' typically represents the radius of a sphere or a circular base in 3D shapes like cylinders and cones. This is important because the radius is a key measurement that helps determine the size and capacity of these shapes. For example, in the formula for the volume of a cylinder, ( V = \pi r^2 h ), 'r' is squared to calculate the area of the circular base, which is then multiplied by the height 'h' to find the overall volume. Understanding the function of the radius helps in accurately calculating volumes and grasping how shapes occupy space.