Volume of Pyramids
The volume of any pyramid can be found using the formula V = ⅓Bh, where B represents the area of the base and h is the height of the pyramid (the perpendicular distance from the apex to the base). This single formula works universally for all pyramid types!
Different pyramids have different base shapes. A rectangular pyramid has a rectangle as its base, a square pyramid has a square base, and a triangular pyramid has a triangle as its base. For each type, you'll just calculate the base area differently before plugging into the main formula.
When solving volume problems, remember to identify the shape of the base first, calculate its area (B), then multiply by the height and divide by 3. Make sure your final answer includes the correct cubic units (in³, cm³, etc.).
Quick Tip: The "⅓" in the formula means a pyramid's volume is exactly one-third of the volume of a prism with the same base and height. This relationship helps you visualize why the formula works!