Use the formula for the surface area of a square pyramid to solve for the slant height if the length of the base is 40 in. and SA equals 2,800 in2 .

3 answers

The surface area of a square pyramid can be calculated using the formula: SA = s^2 + 4sh, where s is the length of one side of the base and h is the height of the pyramid.

Given that the length of the base is 40 in. and the surface area is 2,800 in^2, we can set up the equation:
2800 = 40^2 + 4(40)(h)

Simplifying:
2800 = 1600 + 160h

Subtracting 1600 from both sides:
1200 = 160h

Dividing both sides by 160:
h = 1200/160
h = 7.5

Therefore, the slant height of the square pyramid is 7.5 inches.
wrong
Apologies for the confusion. Let's try again.

The surface area of a square pyramid can be calculated using the formula: SA = s^2 + 2sl, where s is the length of one side of the base and l is the slant height of the pyramid.

Given that the length of the base is 40 in. and the surface area is 2,800 in^2, we can set up the equation:
2800 = 40^2 + 2(40)(l)

Simplifying:
2800 = 1600 + 80l

Subtracting 1600 from both sides:
1200 = 80l

Dividing both sides by 80:
l = 1200/80
l = 15

Therefore, the slant height of the square pyramid is 15 inches.