Rectangular pyramids are three-dimensional figures formed by a base and lateral faces. The base has a rectangular shape and the side faces are triangles. Rectangular pyramids have 5 faces, 8 edges, and 5 vertices. These figures are not regular since their base has sides of different lengths. However, the opposite faces are the same.
Here, we will learn about the faces, vertices, and edges of rectangular pyramids in more detail. We will facilitate the understanding of the concepts with the use of diagrams.
Faces of a rectangular pyramid
The faces of a rectangular pyramid are the flat surfaces formed at the boundaries of the pyramid. All pyramids are made up of a base and lateral triangular faces. In the case of a rectangular pyramid, we have a rectangular base and four lateral triangular faces. That means that these pyramids have 5 faces in total.
Since the base is a rectangle, not all triangular faces have the same shape. However, the opposite faces do have the same shape since the opposite sides of a rectangle have the same length.
An important characteristic of these pyramids is that the four lateral faces meet at the same upper point called the vertex.
The surface area of the pyramids is found by adding the areas of all their faces. The base is a rectangle, so its area is equal to the length of its base times the length of its width. On the other hand, the lateral faces are triangular, so their area is equal to one-half the length of its base times the length of its height.
Vertices of a rectangular pyramid
The vertices of a rectangular pyramid are the points where three or four edges meet. In general, vertices are the points where two or more line segments meet. The vertices at the base of the rectangular pyramid are formed by the intersection of three edges, while the top vertex is formed by the intersection of four edges.
We can also consider the vertices as the points where three or four faces of the pyramid intersect. Rectangular pyramids have a total of 5 vertices.
Edges of a rectangular pyramid
The edges of the rectangular pyramids are the line segments that are located at the limits of the pyramid. In general, edges are defined as the line segments formed by joining two vertices. We can also consider the edges as the line segments where two faces of the pyramid meet.
Rectangular pyramids have a total of 8 edges. The base is bounded by four edges and each lateral triangular face is bounded by three edges.
See also
Interested in learning more about triangular pyramids? Take a look at these pages:
Jefferson Huera Guzman
Jefferson is the lead author and administrator of Neurochispas.com. The interactive Mathematics and Physics content that I have created has helped many students.
