IB Maths AA SL 3.1 Three-dimensional geometry Question Bank

Practise IB Mathematics SL/HL 3.1 by applying three-dimensional geometry methods to exam-style questions.

Exam points

identify the mathematical structure, variable or representation
select and apply the correct theorem, formula or algorithm
check the result using units, domain, graph or logical reasoning

[Maximum number: 3]

All lengths in this question are in centimetres.
A solid metal ornament is in the shape of a right pyramid, with vertex V and square base ABCD . The centre of the base is X . Point V has coordinates (1,5,0) and point A has coordinates (-1,1,6).

Figure for Question SL 3.1—Three-dimensional geometry question 1 — IB Maths AA SL

Find the height of the pyramid, VX.

A second ornament is in the shape of a cuboid with a rectangular base of length $2 x \mathrm{~cm}$ , width $x \mathrm{~cm}$ and height $y \mathrm{~cm}$ . The cuboid has the same volume as the pyramid.

METHOD 1 equating volume of pyramid formula to 57.2
$\frac{1}{3} \times 5.11 \ldots{ }^{2} \times h=57.2$
(A1)
$h=6.54886 \ldots$ $h=6.55(\mathrm{~cm})$
METHOD 2
Let M be the midpoint of AB ]
$A V^{2}=A M^{2}+M X^{2}+X V^{2}$ $\Rightarrow X V=\sqrt{7.48 \ldots^{2}-\left(\frac{5.11 \ldots}{2}\right)^{2}-\left(\frac{5.11 \ldots}{2}\right)^{2}}$ $h=6.54886 \ldots$ $h=6.55(\mathrm{~cm})$

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SL 3.1—Three-dimensional geometry question 1