a) Derive the volume formula.
Side view of a square pyramid. The height of the pyramid is h, the side of the square base is b, and the altitude above the base is the variable y, so one must use similar triangles to establish the relationship s = s(y) for the side of the square plane cross-section at height y. Then integrate the cross-section area to get the volume formula.
b) Confirm by finding the formula online for the volume of a square pyramid.
c) Find the dimensions and volume online in American units (ft etc) for the Great Pyramid of Egypt and compare the computed value of the volume with the stated value by calculating the percentage difference in the computed and stated volume. [solution]