A square pyramid is a three-dimensional geometric figure with a square base and four triangular faces that meet at a single point called the apex, creating a pyramid with five faces.
A wide base and a pointed top, pyramids are three-dimensional shapes that feature a flat base and three or more triangular faces.
The faces meet at a point (the top of the pyramid) forming the apex (the pointy top). The faces may be the same size or different sizes.
The wide base of the pyramid gives the pyramid great stability. The base of the pyramid can be rectangular, square, or triangular.
A pyramid with a square base is known as a square pyramid.
Types of Square Pyramids
There are two types of square pyramids:
- Right Square Pyramids: In these square pyramids, the lateral edges are of equal length. This results in the triangular faces being isosceles triangles of the same size. The triangular faces are therefore congruent to each other.
- Equilateral Square Pyramids: These are square pyramids in which all the edges are equal in length. The edges of the faces therefore form equilateral triangles.
Here are square pyramid examples in real life
1. The Great Pyramid Of Giza
The pyramids of Egypt are the most famous examples of pyramids in real life.
These pyramids were constructed as the final resting place of the pharaohs of ancient Egypt.
The pharaohs were buried in these pyramids with all their belongings.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the oldest pyramids and also the largest. It is believed to have a square base and is, therefore, a square pyramid.
2. Hipped Roof
A hipped roof or hip roof is a modern roof design that is in the shape of a pyramid.
These roofs have four faces that slop and unite at a mutual ridge. This ridge is known as the hip.
This shape of roof is used for its durability and reliability. It also provides a luxurious look.
The roof’s base is where the roof meets with the top of the walls of the house.
A hipped roof that covers a square home is an example of a real-life square pyramid.
3. Native American Tepees
Teepees are the traditional structures in which Native Americans lived in. Some Native Americans continue to live in these structures.
Teepees are constructed in a pyramid shape. This shape ensured a strong structure that could be easily assembled as the tribes moved from place to place.
Many teepees feature square bases and are therefore square pyramids.
4. The Nubian Pyramids of South Sudan
The Nubian Pyramids are a collection of about 200 pyramids in the eastern part of Sudan.
They are located along the banks of the River Nile and are believed to have been built between 720 and 300 BC as tombs of kings, queens of the Meroitic Kingdom.
These pyramids are much smaller than the Egyptian pyramids and many feature square bases making them square pyramids.
5. The Aztec Temples
The temples of the ancient Aztecs were constructed in pyramid shapes. However, they featured different shapes at their bases.
Temples such as the Chizen Itza in Mexico featured square bases. The Chiza Itza features staircases on all four faces leading to the apex where prayers and sacrifices were made.
6. Camping Tents
Camping tents are designed to provide shelter for those traveling in the great outdoors.
They often feature pyramid shapes that are constructed from cotton canvas or synthetic waterproof material.
The pyramid shape provides for a strong structure and prevents debris or water collecting on the roof of the tent and weighing it down.
Many pyramid-shaped camping tents have square bases making them square pyramids.
7. Cellular Towers
Cellular towers are erected throughout the country to enable the transmission of signals. This network of towers ensures that we are able to communicate over a wireless network.
The towers feature steel frames that make up the edges of a pyramid.
Many towers are built with square bases for even distribution of weight. They are square pyramids.
8. Chocolate Pyramids
The only thing that is better than chocolate chips is chocolate pyramids.
Chocolate comes in various shapes and chocolate pyramids are quite popular.
Many manufacturers make their chocolate pyramids are made with square bases. They are a delicious example of square pyramids in real life.
From our kitchens to the structures we live in, square pyramids are everywhere around us.
Related Post: 9 Examples of Equilateral Triangles in Real Life
