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The document discusses different types of pyramids, including triangular, square, and pentagonal pyramids. It defines key properties of pyramids like their number of faces, vertices, and edges based on the number of sides of the polygonal base. The document also distinguishes between right pyramids, with the apex directly above the center of the base, and oblique pyramids. It provides formulas for calculating the surface area and volume of pyramids and includes examples applying these formulas.

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Maria Helen Marcelino
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68 views

Course Hero 40

The document discusses different types of pyramids, including triangular, square, and pentagonal pyramids. It defines key properties of pyramids like their number of faces, vertices, and edges based on the number of sides of the polygonal base. The document also distinguishes between right pyramids, with the apex directly above the center of the base, and oblique pyramids. It provides formulas for calculating the surface area and volume of pyramids and includes examples applying these formulas.

Uploaded by

Maria Helen Marcelino
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Pyramid

A pyramid is defined as a three-dimensional structure encompassing a polygon as its base. You


must have heard about The Great Pyramid of Giza, which is structured in the same concept.
Every corner of this structure is linked to a single apex which makes it appear as a distinct
shape. In this article, we are going to discuss what is a pyramid shape, different types of the
pyramid with formulas and many solved examples.
Table of Contents:

 Pyramid Shape
 Types of Pyramid
 Right Vs Oblique Pyramid
 Regular Vs Irregular Pyramid
 Pyramid Formula
 Examples
 FAQs

Pyramid Shape
A pyramid is a three-dimensional shape. A pyramid has a polygonal base and flat triangular
faces, which join at a common point called the apex. A pyramid is formed by connecting the
bases to an apex. Each edge of the base is connected to the apex, and forms the triangular face,
called the lateral face. If a pyramid has an n-sided base, then it has n+1 faces, n+1 vertices, and
2n edges.
Types Of Pyramids
Based on the shape of the base, the pyramid is classified into different types. Now, let us discuss
the different types of pyramid shape one by one.

Triangular Pyramid
If the base of the pyramid is in a triangular shape (base with 3 sides), then the pyramid is called a
triangular pyramid. As the triangle has 3 sides, then the triangular pyramid has the following
properties:
No. of Faces = (3+1) = 4
No.of Vertices: (3+1) = 4
No. of Edges: 2(3) = 6

Square Pyramid
If the base of the pyramid is in the shape of a square (base with 4 sides), then it is called a square
pyramid. As the square has 4 sides, then the square pyramid has the following properties:
No. of Faces: (4+1) = 5
No.of Vertices: (4+1)= 5
No. of Edges: 2(4) = 8
Pentagonal Pyramid
If the base of the pyramid is in the shape of a pentagon (base with 5 sides), then it is called a
pentagonal pyramid. As the pentagon has 5 sides, then the pentagonal pyramid has the following
properties:
No. of Faces: (5+1)=6
No.of Vertices: (5+1)=6
No. of Edges: 2(5)= 10
Right Pyramid Vs Oblique Pyramid
Right Pyramid:
The apex of this pyramid is exactly over the middle of the base, hence named as Right Pyramid.

Oblique Pyramid
The apex of this pyramid is not exactly over the middle of its base and named as Oblique
Pyramid.

Regular vs Irregular Pyramid


To distinguish between regular and irregular Pyramid, you need to consider the shape of the
base. If the base of a polygon is regular, it is labelled as Regular Pyramid, else it is considered as
Irregular Pyramid. The figure given below illustrates the regular pyramid and an irregular
pyramid.
           

                           Regular                                                                                             Irregular

Pyramid Formulas
The standard formula to find the surface area and the volume of the pyramid are given as
follows:
The total surface area of a pyramid is the sum of the base area and half the product of the base
perimeter and the slant height.
Thus,
The Total Surface Area of Pyramid = (½)Pl +B square units
Where, 
“P” is the perimeter of the base
“l” is the slant height 
“B” is the base area.
The general form to find the volume of the pyramid is one-third of the base area and the height
of the pyramid.
Thus,
The volume of the pyramid = (⅓)×(Base Area)×(Height) Cubic units.

Solved Examples on Pyramid


Example 1: 
Find the volume of the square pyramid, if its base area is 56 cm  and its height is 9 cm.
2

Solution:
Given: 
The base area of the square pyramid = 56 cm 2

Height = 9 cm
Thus, the volume of the square pyramid = (⅓)(Base area)(Height) cubic units
Now, substitute the values in the formula, we get
The volume of a square pyramid = (⅓)(56)(9)
V = (56)(3)
V= 168 cm 3

Hence, the volume of the square pyramid is 168 cm . 3

Example 2:
Find the total surface area of the square pyramid if each side of the base measures 16 cm, and the
slant height is 17 cm, and the altitude is 15 cm.
Solution:
Given:
As the base is a square, the perimeter of the base is 4 times 16 cm
P =  4(16)
P = 64 cm
The area of the base = a2

B = 16  = 256 cm
2 2

We know, that the total surface area of the square pyramid is (½)Pl +B square units
Substituting the values in the given formula, we get
The total surface area of the square pyramid = [(½)(64)(17)] + (256)
TSA = 544 + 256
TSA = 800 cm 2

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