Question

Eli sculpted this square pyramid out of clay. Its base is 12 inches long on each side and its slant height is 9 inches. What is the approximate height, h, of Eli's pyramid? (the answer includes square root)

Answer 1

Use pythagorean theorem:
c^2 = a^2 + b^2

Substitute the given values, c = slant height, a = 1/2 of length of one side of the base:
9^2 = 6^2 + b^2
b = ?

Answer 2

3 square root of 5