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 in^2

1 answer

The formula for the surface area of a square pyramid is:

SA = (l * s)/2 + l^2

where SA is the surface area, l is the length of the base, and s is the slant height.

We are given that SA is 2,800 in^2 and the length of the base is 40 in. Plugging these values into the formula, we get:

2,800 = (40 * s)/2 + 40^2

Simplifying,

2,800 = 20s + 1600

Subtracting 1600 from both sides,

1,200 = 20s

Dividing both sides by 20,

s = 60

Therefore, the slant height is 60 inches.