FTCE General Knowledge Math Practice Test

What is the term for a space figure with two congruent, parallel bases that are polygons?

1. Prism

2. Cylinder

3. Pyramid

4. Sphere

The correct answer is: Prism

The correct answer is a prism. A prism is defined as a three-dimensional geometric figure that has two congruent and parallel bases, which are typically polygons. The sides of a prism, called lateral faces, are parallelograms. The bases can be any polygon, such as a triangle, rectangle, or pentagon, and the prism is named after the shape of its bases (e.g., triangular prism, rectangular prism). In contrast, a cylinder is a three-dimensional figure with circular bases rather than polygonal ones. A pyramid has a single base that is a polygon and triangular faces that converge at a point called the apex. A sphere is a perfectly round three-dimensional object, with every point on its surface equidistant from its center, which does not have bases or edges. Thus, the key feature of having two congruent, parallel polygonal bases exclusively identifies a prism.