FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which description fits a pyramid?

1. A space figure with a circular base and a single vertex

2. A solid figure with a square base and four triangular sides

3. A three-dimensional figure with two congruent bases

4. A figure where each face is triangular

The correct answer is: A solid figure with a square base and four triangular sides

The description that fits a pyramid is that it is a solid figure with a square base and four triangular sides. This definition captures the essential characteristics of a pyramid, which typically consists of a polygonal base and triangular faces that converge to a single vertex (the apex). In this context, the square base provides a specific geometric foundation for the pyramid, while the four triangular sides are crucial for defining its three-dimensional shape and structure. The triangular faces meet at a point above the base, creating the characteristic tapering form of a pyramid. The other descriptions do not accurately represent the defining characteristics of a pyramid. For example, a space figure with a circular base (the first option) indicates a cone rather than a pyramid. The third choice describes a prism, which has two congruent bases and rectangular lateral faces. Lastly, saying that a figure where each face is triangular relates more closely to a tetrahedron, which is a type of pyramid but does not specifically describe the common base type associated with most pyramids. Thus, the correct understanding of a pyramid centers around the solid figure with a square base and four triangular sides.