Question 1
An ancient Egyptian pyramid has a square base with side lengths of 20 meters and a remaining height (after erosion) of 10 meters. Its original height was 30 meters. What was the volume of the pyramid in its original state?
- A. 12000 cubic meters
- B. 6000 cubic meters
- C. 18000 cubic meters
- D. 24000 cubic meters
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — 12000 cubic meters
To find the volume of a pyramid, you can use the formula: Volume = (1/3) * base area * height. In this case, the base area is the square of side length 20 meters, which is 20 * 20 = 400 square meters. The original height of the pyramid is 30 meters. Therefore, the volume of the pyramid in its original state is (1/3) * 400 * 30 = 12000 cubic meters. Choice A is correct. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not correctly calculate the volume using the original height and base area of the pyramid.