FTCE General Knowledge Math Practice Test

What space figure is characterized by a square base and four triangle-shaped sides?

1. Pyramid

2. Cylinder

3. Sphere

4. Cone

The correct answer is: Pyramid

The space figure characterized by a square base and four triangle-shaped sides is indeed a pyramid. A pyramid has a polygonal base (in this case, a square) and triangular faces that converge at a single vertex or apex above the base. This unique structure allows the pyramid to have a solid form that ultimately reduces in area from the base to the top, forming its iconic shape. In contrast, a cylinder has two circular bases connected by a curved surface, lacking triangular faces. A sphere is a perfectly round three-dimensional figure where every point on the surface is the same distance from the center, with no edges or vertices. A cone has a circular base and one vertex, but it does not feature a square base. Thus, the distinctive characteristics of a pyramid align perfectly with the description provided in the question.