# square based pyramid angle

• December 10th 2010, 08:48 AM
Chr2010
square based pyramid angle
Hi,

so there is a pyramid with a square base. The sides of the square base all measure 2m and the height if the pyramid is 05 metre. what is the length sides of the triangular pieces?

Since I have two measurements, 0.5 and 2 I am thinking I can use a^+b^2=c^2?
• December 10th 2010, 08:55 AM
Also sprach Zarathustra
You are right! You can use the Pythagoras's theorem!

Keep thinking...
• December 10th 2010, 09:12 AM
SammyS
Quote:

Originally Posted by Chr2010
Hi,

so there is a pyramid with a square base. The sides of the square base all measure 2m and the height if the pyramid is 05 metre. what is the length sides of the triangular pieces?

Since I have two measurements, 0.5 and 2 I am thinking I can use a^2+b^2=c^2?

If you use $\displaystyle a^2+b^2=c^2$ with 0.5m and 1.0m, you will find the altitude of one of the face triangles.

Form a triangle with the verticies at the top point of the pyramid, the point at the center of the base, and a point at a corner of the base.
• December 10th 2010, 09:30 AM
Chr2010
Would I have to divide my base 2m by 2? I am picturing a sting that has fallen from the top of the pyramid and it would only reach to the middle of the floor, so would my base be now 1 metre
• December 10th 2010, 05:49 PM
SammyS
Quote:

Originally Posted by Chr2010
Would I have to divide my base 2m by 2? I am picturing a sting that has fallen from the top of the pyramid and it would only reach to the middle of the floor, so would my base be now 1 metre

It depends upon which triangle you're talking about.