The net shows that the prism has 2 triangular faces and 3 rectangular faces. The net of a triangular pyramid can have various shapes, the net shows that the pyramid has a triangular base and 3 triangular faces. The net shows that the pyramid has a square base and 4 triangular faces. Draw the diagonals PR and SQ to meet at O. Use broken lines to indicate the hidden lines and edges in the solids and lines where nets can be folded to form models of the solids. We can carry out several activities involving nets and models of pyramids and prisms.ĭraw the pyramids and prisms named below.ĭraw also the nets of the solids. See the following figure:Ī prism whose cross-section is a square is called a square prism. If the cross-section has the shape of a triangle it is called a triangular prism. Observe note the bases in the figures below.Ī prism is a solid having a uniform cross-section. Pyramids that will be discussed in this section are those with a square or triangular base.

A pyramid is related to the field of geometry conversely, a prism is related to the field of geometry and optics.A pyramid is a solid made of a base and triangular faces.

There are the triangular pyramid or prism, pentagonal pyramid or prism, hexagonal pyramid or prism, etc.

The type of a pyramid or prism depends on its bases’ shape.

The junction point of all the sides of a pyramid is termed an apex or vertex, and it is vertically above the center of the base, whereas there is no such point in a prism.

All the sides of a pyramid are always joined together at a point on the other hand, all the sides of a prism are not necessarily joined at a point.

The sides of a pyramid are inclined at an angle with the base on the other hand, the sides of a prism are perpendicular to the base.

The sides of a pyramid are always triangular conversely, the prism’s sides are always rectangular.

The base of a pyramid and a prism is polygonal in shape.

A pyramid has only one base conversely, two bases characterize a prism.

Pyramids and prisms are three-dimensional polyhedron-shaped structures the major difference lies in their base.

Main Differences Between Pyramids and Prisms A pyramid always has an apex just above the base’s center. It always has triangular-shaped sides.Īll the sides of the pyramid are always joined at a point known as a vertex or an apex. What is a Pyramid?Ī pyramid is a three-dimensional polyhedron structure with only one base in the shape of a polygon. Some types are triangular prism, pentagonal prism, hexagonal prism, etc. In prisms, the type is determined by the shape of its base. Types Depending on the shape of their base, there are different types of pyramids, such as the Triangular Pyramid, hexagonal pyramid, pentagonal pyramid, etc. Presence of an apex The presence of an apex characterizes a pyramid. The sides of a prism are always rectangular and are perpendicular to the base.

The shape of the sides The sides of a pyramid are triangular, joined at a point known as the apex. A prism contains two bases which are also polygonal.

The length of each side is 8 inches and the width of each side is 6 inches. A triangular prism has a triangular end with a base of 5 inches and a height of 4 inches. Number and shape of the bases A pyramid has only one base, which is polygonal in shape. The answer is the surface area of the above triangular prism is 240 square centimeters. A prism is a three-dimensional polyhedron characterized by two polygonal bases and rectangular sides perpendicular to the base. Comparison Table Parameter of Comparison Pyramids Prisms Basic definition A pyramid is a three-dimensional polyhedron-shaped structure with only one polygonal base and triangular sides. A prism is a three-dimensional shape with two parallel bases with congruent polygons and rectangular sides connecting the bases. Main Differences Between Pyramids and Prisms Ī pyramid is a three-dimensional shape with a polygon as its base and triangular faces that meet at the apex.

Square triangular prism