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Example 1: Pyramid

Find the volume of a pyramid of height h whose base has area B, as in Figure 6.1.7.

06_applications_of_the_integral-19.gif

Figure 6.1.7: Example 1

Place the pyramid on its side with the apex at x = 0 and the base at x = h. We use the fact that at any point x between 0 and h, the cross section has area proportional to x2, so that

06_applications_of_the_integral-20.gif

The volume is then

06_applications_of_the_integral-21.gif

The solution is V = (⅓)Bh.


Last Update: 2006-11-22