Know the words to know the content. Geometry is a branch of mathematics that relies heavily on students' understanding of words and their meanings.

1. Primary Differences between Prisms and Pyramids Definitions, Examples, and Non-Examples FLAN 613 – Hannah Higgins

2. Definition of Prisms A prism is a type of polyhedron that has a flat top that matches its bottom part. All other faces are parallelograms. The specific name for a prism is based on the name of the 2 identical faces.

3. Definition of Pyramids A pyramid is a polyhedron that has a point at the top. The base may be any polygon. All other faces must be triangles. The specific name of a pyramid is based on the shape of the figure on the bottom of the pyramid.

4. Examples of Prisms Triangular prism Rectangular prism Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/morethanmaths/4014100537/

5. Examples of Pyramids Actual Pyramid Mathematical representation of a pyramid Photo Credit: http://i.images.cdn.fotopedia.com/flickr-2427530661-hd/World_Heritage_Sites/Middle_East/Egypt/Memphis_and_its_Necropolis_-_the_Pyramid_Fields_from_Giza_to_Dahshu/Giza_Necropolis/Pyramid_of_Khafre/Pyramid_of_Khafre-Giza_Necropolis-hd.jpg

6. Almost Prisms Cylinders look like prisms, but they are different. Circles are not considered polygons. Cylinders have a curved edge connecting the two circles, while prisms have clearly defined edges between rectangular faces.

7. Almost Pyramids Cones look like pyramids, but they are different. The base of a cone is a circle, not a polygon. Cones and pyramids both have a pointy top, but pyramids have clearly defined edges between triangular faces. Photo Credits: http://www.flickr.com/photos/like_the_grand_canyon/3743007993/sizes/l/in/photostream/ http://www.freefoto.com/images/21/19/21_19_59---Traffic-Cones_web.jpg

8. Comparing and Contrasting Prisms and Pyramids Both are polyhedrons. Both must have polygon faces. Both cannot have circles.