Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Practice Exam 2025

True or False: A prism's shape is similar to a pyramid.

1. True

2. False

3. Only in one dimension

4. Not applicable

The correct answer is: False

The statement that a prism's shape is similar to a pyramid is false. A prism is defined as a three-dimensional geometric shape that has two parallel, congruent bases connected by rectangular faces. The sides of a prism are essentially parallelograms or rectangles extending between the two bases. In contrast, a pyramid has a base that can be any polygon, and its sides converge to a single point known as the apex. The key distinction lies in their shapes: while both are polyhedra, a prism maintains a uniform cross-section along its height, whereas a pyramid tapers to a point from its base. This difference in construction and dimensional attributes clarifies that the two shapes are not similar in structure or design. Thus, the correct answer clearly indicates that a prism does not resemble a pyramid.