Prism

My Definition

Key Characteristics

The following are true of a prism:

  • It has two parallel and congruent polygonal bases.

  • Its lateral faces are parallelograms.

  • It is named for the shape of its base. For example, a pentagonal prism would have pentagonal bases.

  • It has faces, vertices, and edges that can be counted.

  • Parallel line segments connect corresponding points on the two bases.

  • If a plane intersects the prism and is parallel to the bases, the cross section is congruent to each of the bases.



Example

Click on the link below to explore the features of prisms:

Prism Activity

Non-example

TEKS: 1(6)(E), 2(8)(B), 3(6)(A), 5(4)(G), 5(6)(B), 6(8)(C), 6(8)(D), 7(8)(A), 7(8)(B),
7(9)(A), 7(9)(D), 8(7)(B)