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Rectangular Pyramids

Age 14 to 18
Challenge Level Yellow star
Secondary curriculum
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Why do this problem?

It provides experience of generalising a result from 2 dimensions to an equivalent result in 3 dimensions. This problem asks the question for them but learners should be encouraged to ask themselves "What if..." and always to think about possible generalisations.

Key questions

What comes to mind when a problem involves squares of distances?
If we are looking for Pythagoras theorem where are the right angles triangles?

Possible extension

The problem Pythagoras for a Tetrahedron.




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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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