Bases of three-dimensional figures

Learning Objectives Define what a 'base' is in the context of three-dimensional figures. Identify the base(s) of various prisms. Identify the base of various pyramids. Describe the base(s) of cylinders and cones. Differentiate between the base(s) and lateral faces of three-dimensional figures. Recognize the shape of the base(s) for common 3D figures. Have you ever wondered why some boxes stand upright on certain sides, or how tents are designed to be stable? 🏕️ It all comes down to understanding their 'bases'! In this lesson, you will learn what a base is for different three-dimensional figures like prisms, pyramids, cylinders, and cones. Understanding bases is crucial because they often determine how we classify these shapes and calculate their volume a...

TermDefinitionExample Three-Dimensional Figure (3D Figure)A figure that has length, width, and height. It occupies space.A cube, a sphere, a pyramid, a cylinder. Base (of a 3D Figure)A special face of a three-dimensional figure, often the face on which the figure rests or the face that defines its shape. Prisms and cylinders have two bases, while pyramids and cones have one.The square bottom of a square pyramid; the circular top and bottom of a cylinder. PrismA 3D figure with two identical, parallel bases that are polygons. Its other faces (lateral faces) are rectangles or parallelograms.A rectangular prism (like a brick), a triangular prism (like a Toblerone bar). PyramidA 3D figure with one polygonal base and triangular lateral faces that meet at a single point called the apex.An Egypti...

Rule for Prisms Prisms have two identical and parallel bases that are polygons. The bases are connected by rectangular or parallelogram lateral faces. To identify the bases of a prism, look for two faces that are congruent (same size and shape) and parallel to each other. These faces define the 'type' of prism (e.g., a triangular prism has triangular bases). Rule for Pyramids Pyramids have exactly one polygonal base. All other faces are triangles that meet at a single point (the apex). To identify the base of a pyramid, find the single polygonal face that is not a triangle. This base determines the name of the pyramid (e.g., a square pyramid has a square base). Rule for Cylinders Cylinders have two identical and parallel circular bases connected by a curved l...