Math Problem Statement

The base of a solid oblique pyramid is an equilateral triangle with a base edge length of 14 units.

A solid oblique pyramid has an equilateral triangle base with a base edge length of 14 units. The base triangle is triangle A C D. The apex is point B. The angles formed with the lateral sides are 45 degrees.

What is BC, the height of the pyramid?

7 units 7StartRoot 2 EndRoot units 14 units 14StartRoot 2 EndRoot units

Solution

To find the height BCBC of the oblique pyramid, we first need to understand the geometry of the pyramid.

  1. Base Triangle Calculation: The base of the pyramid is an equilateral triangle ACD\triangle ACD with side length 14 units.

  2. Properties of an Equilateral Triangle: For an equilateral triangle, the altitude can be found using the formula: altitude=32×side length\text{altitude} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \times \text{side length} So, the altitude of ACD\triangle ACD is: altitude=32×14=73 units\text{altitude} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \times 14 = 7\sqrt{3} \text{ units} This altitude runs from a vertex of the triangle to the midpoint of the opposite side.

  3. Calculating the Height BCBC: The lateral faces form a 4545^\circ angle with the base. To find the height BCBC, we will use the trigonometric relationship: tan(45)=altitude of the base triangleheight of the pyramid\tan(45^\circ) = \frac{\text{altitude of the base triangle}}{\text{height of the pyramid}} Since tan(45)=1\tan(45^\circ) = 1, we have: 1=73BC1 = \frac{7\sqrt{3}}{BC} Solving for BCBC, we get: BC=73BC = 7\sqrt{3}

  4. Simplifying 737\sqrt{3}: If we check the given answer choices, none matches 737\sqrt{3} exactly. This indicates a need to revisit the alignment or intended structure.

Thus, the answer closest is indeed (14

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Equilateral Triangle
Trigonometry
Pyramid

Formulas

Altitude of an equilateral triangle: (sqrt(3)/2) * side length
tan(angle) = opposite/adjacent

Theorems

Trigonometric ratios in right triangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12