Answer:
The 3D solid shown in the image is a <u>hexagonal pyramid</u>. If we made a cross section with a <em>vertical slice</em> (top to bottom), we would have an <u>isosceles triangle</u>.
Useful Extra Knowledge:
However—and this isn't a question here, but just useful knowledge—if we made a cross section with a <em>horizontal slice</em> (left to right or right to left), we would have a <u>regular hexagon</u>. If it were a <em>diagonal</em> cross section, we would have an <u>irregular hexagon</u>.
Step-by-step explanation:
First, what's the difference between a <em>sphere</em>, a <em>cylinder</em>, a <em>pyramid</em>, a <em>cone</em>, and a <em>prism</em>? These are all 3D solids, but in your case, an explanation of what they are may be a good refresher:
- A <em>sphere</em> is a 3D solid where <u>every point is </u><u>equidistant</u><u> from the </u><u>center point</u>. Basically, it's a <em>3D circle</em>. It's completely round.
- A <em>prism</em> is a 3D solid with <u>straight</u>, <u>parallel</u> <u>sides</u> and a polygonal base.
- A <em>cylinder</em> is a 3D solid with <u>straight</u>, <u>parallel</u> <u>sides</u> and a circular base
- A <em>pyramid</em> is a 3D solid with <u>sides</u> that <u>converge</u> at a <u>common</u> <u>vertex</u> and a polygonal base.
- A <em>cone</em> is a 3D solid with <u>sides</u> that <u>converge</u> at a <u>common</u> <u>vertex</u> and a circular base.
We <em>definitely</em> know this shape can't be a sphere! It's not completely round! Actually, take a closer look: there's no <em>hint</em> of a circle anywhere in the figure. It can't be a cylinder nor a cone.
This means it's either a pyramid or a prism. But, going back to the definitions above, let's redefine the difference between the two: pyramids have only <em>one</em> base and only <em>triangular</em> faces, while prisms have <em>two</em> bases and <em>rectangular</em> faces.
How many bases does this figure have? It has one base. And what shape are its faces? They're all triangles! This means we have to be looking at a <em>pyramid</em>.
So, you may think, that solves it. We're looking at a pyramid.
Sorry, buddy. It's not that easy. We can classify this figure even <em>further</em>. How do we do this? We use its base! And what type of polygon is the base? When we count the sides of the base, we find <em>six</em> sides, which means this shape is a <u><em>hexagon</em></u>. So this is a <u><em>hexagonal</em></u> <em><u>pyramid</u></em>, right?
Actually, there's one more specification we could give this. That hexagon has sides that are all equal to each other. That may not seem special to you, but there's a special term given to polygons who have equal sides and equal inner angles: they are called <em>regular</em> polygons.
That description matches the base of our shape, right? So, <em>now</em> we have the name of the figure: it's a <em>regular</em> <em>hexagonal</em> <em>pyramid</em>.
Now, what about the cross section? This means we're taking a <em>piece</em> of that solid, like cutting into a cake with a knife. Who likes cake here?
I digress. This piece, the cross section of the 3D solid, becomes a 2D shape. Now, the question asks for the shape of a <em>vertical</em> cross section, which means up and down, like the <em>y</em>-axis on the coordinate plane/Cartesian plane.
So, imagine taking a butter knife and slicing right down the middle of that bad boy. If you get the middle point <em>exactly</em>, you'll have two equal halves which would look like triangles with two equal sides: an <em>isosceles</em> <em>triangle</em>.
That's assuming you look <em>straight</em> <em>on</em> at them. If you veered to the side a little, you'd find a <em>scalene</em> <em>triangle</em> (a triangle with no equal sides).
But, should you miss the center a little, you'd get a <em>trapezoid</em> instead, because part of the top would be missing.
But I'm assuming the question is asking about a vertical slice <em>exactly</em> down the middle and viewed <em>straight</em> <em>on</em>. In that case, your answer is an <em>isosceles</em> <em>triangle</em>.
I droned on for a bit, I know. But hopefully this helps you understand the concept better! Have a great day!