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The base of a triangular pyramid is an equilateral triangle. Each side of the base measures 6 in. The area of the base is 15.6 in². The slant height of the pyramid is 8 in.

What is the surface area of the pyramid?

User Paul Okeke
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Answer: The area of the base of the triangular pyramid is given as 15.6 in² and each side of the base is 6 in, so we can use the formula for the area of an equilateral triangle to find the height of the base:

A = (s^2 * sqrt(3)) / 4

where s is the side length of the triangle. Plugging in the values, we get:

15.6 = (6^2 * sqrt(3)) / 4

Solving for the height of the base, h:

h = (4 * 15.6) / (6^2 * sqrt(3)) = 4 / sqrt(3)

Next, we can use the Pythagorean theorem to find the height of the pyramid, since the slant height is given:

h^2 + (base/2)^2 = slant height^2

where base is the length of one side of the base of the pyramid. Plugging in the values, we get:

h^2 + (6/2)^2 = 8^2

Solving for h:

h = sqrt(64 - 9) = sqrt(55)

Finally, the surface area of the pyramid can be found using the formula:

SA = base area + (perimeter * slant height) / 2

where perimeter is the total length of the sides of the base. Plugging in the values, we get:

SA = 15.6 + (3 * 6 * 8) / 2 = 15.6 + 36 = 51.6 in²

So, the surface area of the triangular pyramid is 51.6 in².

Explanation:

User Topher Hunt
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