Question

What is the difference of the volumes of the two oblique pyramids, both of which have square bases? Round the volumes to the nearest tenth of a centimeter.

2 oblique pyramids with square bases are shown. Pyramid A is a base edge length of 2.6 centimeters and a height of 2 centimeters. Pyramid B has a base edge length of 2 centimeters and a height of 2.5 centimeters.

0.7 cm3
1.2 cm3
1.8 cm3
2.3 cm3

Answer 1

Volume of any pyramid = (1/3)·(base area)·(height). For square base edge s, area = s^2.

Pyramid A: V_A = (1/3)(2.6^2)(2) = (1/3)(6.76)(2) = 13.52/3 ≈ 4.5067 ≈ 4.5 cm^3.
Pyramid B: V_B = (1/3)(2^2)(2.5) = (1/3)(4)(2.5) = 10/3 ≈ 3.3333 ≈ 3.3 cm^3.

Difference ≈ 4.5067 − 3.3333 = 1.1734 ≈ 1.2 cm^3.

Answer: 1.2 cm^3.