How to Know What the Base of a Prism Is?

A prism is a geometrical term for a polyhedron with multiple faces. The polyhedron has a base with multiple sides and has a translated base on a different plane as the first. The faces of the prism join at the sides of the bases. The prisms are named after the polygon the base takes the form of. For instance, a prism with a triangle base is a triangular prism.

Things You'll Need

• Graphical representation of prism
• Ruler

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Look at one of the prism's faces. Measure the edges of the faces and write them down.

   • 2

     Turn the prism over one-half rotation.

   • 3

     Confirm that the face on this side of the prism is the same shape as the other, and that the two are parallel.

   • 4

     Measure the edges on this face with a ruler. If the measurements match the previous face, you have located the base.