Find the side $ a $ of a pyramid if slant height $s = 4$ and lateral edge $e = 5$.
Answer
$a = 6$
Explanation
To find side $ a $ use Pythagorean Theorem:
$$ s^2 + \frac{ a^2 }{ 4 } = e^2 $$After substituting $ s = 4 $ and $ e = 5 $ we have:
$$ 4^2 + \frac{ a^2 }{ 4 } = 5^2 $$ $$ \frac{ a^2 }{ 4 } = 5^2 - 4^2 $$ $$ \frac{ a^2 }{ 4 } = 25 - 16 $$ $$ a^2 = 9 \cdot 4 $$ $$ a^2 = 36 $$ $$ a = \sqrt{ 36 } $$$$ a = 6 $$This page was created using
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