Introduction

In geometry, there are two elementary three-dimensional shapes known as a prism and a pyramid. Often these terms are used interchangeably, which can lead to confusion. This article aims to explain and clarify the differences between prism and pyramid.

What is a prism?

A prism is a geometric solid that has two congruent and parallel bases, connected by rectangular side faces. The number of lateral faces depends on the number of sides of the bases. For example, a quadrangular prism would have four rectangular side faces, while a triangular prism would have three.

The height of a prism is the distance between the two parallel bases.

What is a pyramid?

A pyramid is a geometric solid that has a base and triangular side faces that meet at a common point called a vertex. The number of sides of the base determines the name of the pyramid. For example, a quadrangular pyramid would have a square base and triangular side faces, while a triangular pyramid would have a triangular base and triangular side faces.

The height of a pyramid is the distance between the base and the vertex.

Differences between prism and pyramid

Forma

The main difference between a prism and a pyramid is their shape. While a prism has two congruent and parallel bases, a pyramid only has one base. The lateral faces of a prism are rectangular, while the lateral faces of a pyramid are triangular and converge at a common point at the top.

Number of lateral faces

A prism has a number of lateral faces equal to the number of sides of its bases. For example, a pentagonal prism It would have five lateral faces. On the other hand, a pyramid has a number of side faces equal to the number of sides of the base plus one. For example, a pentagonal pyramid would have six triangular side faces.

Height

The height of a prism is the distance between the two parallel bases. On the other hand, the height of a pyramid is the distance between the base and the vertex.

Conclusion

In short, a prism and a pyramid are two different three-dimensional shapes. A prism has two congruent, parallel bases connected by rectangular side faces, while a pyramid has a base and triangular side faces that meet at a common point called the vertex. The height of a prism is the distance between the bases, while the height of a pyramid is the distance between the base and the vertex.

References

• “Learn About Prisms and Polyhedrons.” ThoughtCo, Feb. 11, 2020, www.thoughtco.com/polyhedron-373317.
• “Polyhedron.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 28 Dec. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyhedron.
• “Pyramid (Geometry).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Apr. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_(geometry).

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