A square pyramid has a volume of 128 cm³, and each side of the square base measures 8 cm. What is the slant height (from apex to midpoint of one base side)?
Options
A
2
cm
B
6 cm
C
3 cm
D
2 cm
Answer & Analysis
Answer
A
Analysis
Question Analysis:
This problem asks for the slant height, but only gives volume and base side.
We must first calculate the vertical height from the volume, then use the Pythagorean Theorem.
Key Concept Explanation:
Volume of square pyramid: V = 1/3 × base area × height
To find slant height:
Use a right triangle formed by the vertical height and half the base side.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Find base area:
8 × 8 = 64 cm²
2. Plug into volume formula:
128 = (1/3) × 64 × h →
384 = 64h → h = 6 cm
3. Use Pythagorean Theorem:
Half the base = 8 ÷ 2 = 4 cm
Slant² = 6² + 4² = 36 + 16 = 52
Slant =
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