What is the shape of the cross section taken parallel to the base of a cone?Group of answer choicesRectangleCircleTriangleEllipse

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the geometry of a cone.
2. Determine the shape of the cross-section when taken parallel to the base.

Relevant Concepts

3. A cone is a three-dimensional geometric shape with a circular base that tapers to a point called the apex.
4. When a cross-section is cut parallel to the base of a cone, we are essentially looking at a slice of the cone that runs horizontally.

Analysis and Detail

5. When you cut a cone parallel to its base, the resulting shape is a smaller cone at that height. Since the base of the original cone is circular, the upper cross-section retains this circular form.
6. Other options such as rectangle, triangle, and ellipse do not apply, as they do not represent the shape that emerges from such a cut.

Verify and Summarize

7. The only shape that is formed by this horizontal cut is a circle, as it directly corresponds to the circular base of the cone.

Final Answer

The shape of the cross-section taken parallel to the base of a cone is a Circle.