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In the pyramid above, each triangular face has the same area, and the base MNPQ is a square that measures 8 centimeters on each side. If the length of RS = 6 centimeters, what is the surface area of the pyramid excluding the base?
- A48 sq cm
- B96 sq cm
- C128 sq cm
- D160 sq cm
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Correct answer: B
Line segment RS is the altitude, or height, of triangle QRP. The length of QP is 8 cm. Use that information to find the area of triangle QRP:
There are 4 congruent triangles in the pyramid, so the surface area is
4 × 24 = 96 sq cm