Definition:Base of Solid Figure

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Definition

The base of a solid figure is one of its faces which has been distinguished from the others in some way.

The solid figure is usually oriented so that the base is situated at the bottom.


Base of Parallelepiped

Parallelepiped.png


One of the faces of the parallelepiped is chosen arbitrarily, distinguished from the others and called a base of the parallelepiped.

The opposite face to that face is also referred to as one of the bases.


It is usual to choose one of the bases to be the one which is conceptually on the bottom.


In the above, $ABCD$ and $EFGH$ would conventionally be identified as being the bases.


Base of Pyramid

Pyramid.png


The polygon of a pyramid to whose vertices the apex is joined is called the base of the pyramid.

In the above diagram, $ABCDE$ is the base of the pyramid $ABCDEQ$.


Base of Prism

Prism.png


The bases of a prism are the two parallel polygons which form the faces at either end of the prism.

In the above diagram, the faces $ABCDE$ and $FGHIJ$ are the bases of the prism.


Base of Cone

Cone.png


The plane figure $PQR$ is called the base of the cone.


Base of Right Circular Cone

RightCircularCone.png


Let $\triangle AOB$ be a right-angled triangle such that $\angle AOB$ is the right angle.

Let $K$ be the right circular cone formed by the rotation of $\triangle AOB$ around $OB$.

Let $BC$ be the circle described by $B$.

The base of $K$ is the plane surface enclosed by the circle $BC$.


In the words of Euclid:

And the base is the circle described by the straight line which is carried round.

(The Elements: Book $\text{XI}$: Definition $20$)


Base of Cylinder

Cylinder.png


The $2$ parallel planes which form a cylinder by intersecting a cylindrical surface are called the bases.

In the above diagram, the bases of the cylinder $ACBEDF$ are the faces $ABC$ and $DEF$.