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Rectangular Pyramid Slant Height Calculator

Rectangular Pyramid Slant Height Formula:

\[ \text{slant} = \sqrt{\left(\frac{\text{base}}{2}\right)^2 + \text{height}^2} \]

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1. What is Rectangular Pyramid Slant Height?

The slant height of a rectangular pyramid is the distance measured along a lateral face from the base to the apex along the center of the face. It's an important measurement in geometry and architecture.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slant height formula:

\[ \text{slant} = \sqrt{\left(\frac{\text{base}}{2}\right)^2 + \text{height}^2} \]

Where:

Explanation: The formula comes from applying the Pythagorean theorem to the right triangle formed by half the base, the height, and the slant height.

3. Importance of Slant Height Calculation

Details: Slant height is crucial for calculating the surface area of a pyramid, determining material requirements in construction, and solving various geometric problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the base length and height in consistent units. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the slant height in the same units.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this formula different for square pyramids?
A: No, a square pyramid is a special case of rectangular pyramid where all base sides are equal, so the same formula applies.

Q2: Can I use this for oblique pyramids?
A: No, this formula only works for right pyramids where the apex is directly above the center of the base.

Q3: How does this relate to lateral edge length?
A: The slant height is different from the lateral edge length, which runs from a base corner to the apex.

Q4: What if my pyramid has a rectangular base?
A: For rectangular bases, you would need to calculate slant heights for both length and width directions separately.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically exact for perfect right rectangular pyramids.

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