Question

Given a regular square pyramid with RS = 6 and PX = 4, find the following measure.

PY =

Answer 1

PY=5.

Explanation:

In triangle PXY it is given PX=4, XY=half of RS=6÷2=3.

Two of the sides known we can find the third side using Pythagorean Theorem:

`PY^(2) =PX^(2) +XY^(2)`

Or,
`PY^(2) =4^(2)+3^(2)  =16+9=25.`

Taking root of both sides PY=5.

Answer 2

`PY=5\ units`

Explanation:

we know that

Applying the Pythagoras Theorem

`PY^(2)=PX^(2)+XY^(2)`

In this problem we have that

`XY=RS/2=6/2=3\ units`

`PX=4\ units`

substitute

`PY^(2)=4^(2)+3^(2)`

`PY^(2)=25`

`PY=√(25)\ units`

`PY=5\ units`