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Slice a cube parallel to a face

Step by step, with the reason for every step · Cross sections · Geometry

Step by step

The question

Question: what shape is the cut, if we slice a cube parallel to the base?

cube, cut parallel to the base

A cross section is the flat face we see when we slice a solid.

cross section = the face of a cut

1 Look at the cut

Here is the cube.

We slice it parallel to the base.

The red face is the cut.

2 Name the shape

Flat, the cut looks like this.

Every face of a cube is a square.

A cut parallel to a face is the same square.

So it is a square.

= cut: a square

Careful!

All the sides of the cut are the same length, like the face.

So it is a square.

Careful: not a rectangle ✗

3 Check

Let's check: a cut parallel to the base has the shape of the base.

So the answer is right!

like the base: square

Let's look back.

First: look at the cut.

Then: name the shape.

Last: check.

Answer
Careful: not a rectangle ✗

Your turn

Try this one yourself, then check:

cone, cut parallel to the base
Show the answer
a circle

More from Cross sections

The whole lesson: Cross sections →