Volume of a pyramid is
1/3 base times height
-
This isn't a conclusive proof of the formula.
However after seeing this, we believe it will be easier for students
to remember the formula for a pyramid's volume.
-

Start with a cube made from 6 double corner pieces. Many students know the cubic volume is  base area times height.

Split the cube into three parts, each of the thirds a left-right pair of double corners

Now it is easy to see the volume of each pyramid is (base area*height)/3.

-
A pyramid & leaning pyramid
with the same base and height
have the same volume.

Slice a pyramid and scoot the slices. It still has the same amount of material and the same base & height. Slice finer & scoot again. You get closer & closer to a leaning pyramid.

-
Back to volume main page