Question

The base of a basketball goal has the shape of a rectangular pyramid. The base of the goal must be filled with sand so the goal does not fall down. The base of the pyramid is 4.5 feet long and 4 feet wide. The height of the pyramid is 2.5 feet. How much sand will be needed to fill the base of the basketball goal?

A. 7.1 ft^3
B. 15 ft^3
C. 22.5 ft^3
D. 45 ft^3

Answer 1

B. 15 ft^3

Explanation:

The volume of a pyramid is given by the formula ...

V = (1/3)Bh

where B represents the area of the base, and h represents the height.

The base is apparently a rectangle, so its area is the product of its length and width:

B = L·W = (4.5 ft)(4 ft) = 18 ft^2

Then the volume is ...

V = (1/3)(18 ft^2)(2.5 ft) = 15 ft^3

15 cubic feet of sand will be needed to fill the base.