i'm not asking for the answer, i'm just curious if theres an easier way to get the area of the base of this pyramid. (https://media.glynlyon.com/a_matgeo_2011/7/groupi75.gif) then having to find the apothem find the area of one (of 12) right triangles, then multiplying that by 12 to get the area. IF that is even a correct method.

Question

anonymous · Answer

Find area of one right triangle there are 2 for each side and there are 6 sides. 
it will be 12 times that right triangle.

anonymous · Answer

but i still have to find the apothem yes?

kinggeorge · Answer

That's the most direct way, but since this is a hexagon, it's formed from 6 equilateral triangles. You could use the formula $${\sqrt{3}\over4} (4^2)$$to find the area of a single one and then multiply by 6 to find the area of the base without finding the apothem. However, this only works since you have a hexagon.

kinggeorge · Answer

But then to get the height of the pyramid, it looks like you still need to find the apothem, so this would just make the problem more complicated.

anonymous · Answer

well i'm out to find the volume and a bunch of other things, so i guess i do need the apothem.