Question

The pyramid ABCDE has a square base. the pyramid is 20cm high and each sloping edge measures 30cm. calculate the length of the sides the base

Answer 1

Answer:

44.8 cm

Step-by-step explanation:

Vertical height (h) = EM = 20 cm

Slant height (l) = 30 cm

This two heights form a right angle at the interception at the base. Thus, we have a right angle triangle.

The length of the sides of the base = 2 × the base of the right triangle

✔️Use Pythagorean theorem to find the base of the right triangle formed. Thus: c² = a² + b²

a = base of the triangle

b = h = 20 cm

c = l = 30 cm

Plug in the values

30² = a² + 20²

a² = 30² - 20²

a² = 500

a = √500

a = 22.4 cm

✔️length of the sides of the base = 2 × the base of the right triangle

= 2 × a

= 2 × 22.4

= 44.8 cm