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A cube and a right square pyramid are sitting on a flat surface. Which of the following statements are true? Select ALL that apply.

It is possible to slice . . .
a. A triangular cross section from the cube
b. A trapezoidal cross section from the pyramid
c. A rectangular cross section from the pyramid
d. A hexagonal cross section from the cube
e. A square cross section from the pyramid
f. A hexagonal cross section from both the pyramid and the cube
g. A square cross section from both the pyramid and the cube.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

A cube can have triangular, hexagonal, and square cross sections; a right square pyramid can have trapezoidal and square cross sections; a square cross section is common to both shapes but a hexagonal cross section is not possible in both.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering the possible cross sections of a cube and a right square pyramid, we find that multiple shapes can be achieved depending on the plane of the cut. Starting with the cube:

  • a. Triangular cross section from the cube is possible if you slice it diagonally from one edge to the opposing edge within the same face.
  • d. Hexagonal cross section from the cube can be obtained if you slice through all six vertices.
  • g. A square cross section can be easily achieved by slicing the cube perpendicular to any of its faces.

For the right square pyramid:

  • b. A trapezoidal cross section can be sliced if a cut is made parallel to the base, but not intersecting it, and below the apex of the pyramid.
  • e. Square cross section can be taken right at the base of the pyramid.

Considering both the cube and right square pyramid:

  • f. A hexagonal cross section is not possible for both because a pyramid does not have the necessary six vertices on a single plane like a cube does.
  • g. A square cross section is common to both only at the base of the pyramid and anywhere on the cube if sliced perpendicularly to its faces.

User Matthew Goodwin
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