Mathematics ACT Aspire Practice Test

What defines a prism?

1. A two-dimensional figure

2. A three-dimensional figure with at least three rectangular faces

3. A figure formed by the intersection of two lines

4. A figure that has all sides equal

The correct answer is: A three-dimensional figure with at least three rectangular faces

A prism is defined as a three-dimensional geometric figure that has two parallel and congruent bases connected by rectangular lateral faces. The defining characteristic of prisms is that they have at least three rectangular faces in addition to the two parallel bases. In the case of a rectangular prism, for instance, all lateral faces are rectangles. Prisms can also come in various shapes depending on whether their bases are triangles, rectangles, or other polygons, but the essential feature is that they extend uniformly between the two bases. The other options do not capture the essence of what a prism is. A two-dimensional figure does not include the depth needed for a prism. A figure formed by the intersection of two lines typically describes angles or similar geometric constructs rather than three-dimensional space. Finally, the characteristic of having all sides equal pertains more to shapes like regular polygons or cubes, rather than to the definition and properties of a prism itself.