Prisms Pyramids

   

Prisms and Pyramids

What is a Prism?

A prism is a 3 dimensional shape, having 2 identical ends and having the same cross section along its length.

The two identical ends of the prism, are parallel to each other and are the two bases of the prism.

All the faces of the prism are flat faces.

The 2 identical bases of the prism can be any polygon shape. 

All other faces of a prism are parallelograms or rectangles. 

Different types of pyramids are classified based on different types of shapes of the 2 identical bases.

What is a Pyramid?

A pyramid is a 3 dimensional shape, with a single polygon shape base, and flat triangular sides, that meet at the common top point called the apex.

The base of the pyramid can be any polygon shape. 

All other faces of a pyramid other than the base are always triangular.

There are several types of Prisms and Pyramids.

For example a pyramid with a hexagonal base is known as hexagonal pyramid and a prism with hexagonal bases is known as hexagonal prism.

Similarly a pyramid with a pentagonal base is known as pentagonal pyramid and a prism with pentagonal bases is known as pentagonal prism.

The video above describes prisms and pyramids and shows images of hexagonal prism and hexagonal pyramid.