define "cross sections" in a mathematical sense

In mathematics, a cross section refers to a geometric figure that is obtained by intersecting a solid object with a plane. It represents a 2-dimensional shape resulting from the intersection of a higher-dimensional object with a lower-dimensional plane.

For instance, if you cut a cylinder with a slanting plane, the cross section will be an ellipse. Similarly, slicing a cone perpendicular to its axis will yield a circular cross section. In both cases, the cross section represents the shape of the intersection between the solid object and the plane.

Cross sections are frequently used in various mathematical fields like calculus, geometry, and physics to analyze and understand the properties of 3-dimensional objects based on their 2-dimensional cross-sectional shapes.

shorten the answer

In mathematics, a cross section is a 2-dimensional shape obtained by intersecting a solid object with a plane. It represents the shape resulting from the intersection of a higher-dimensional object with a lower-dimensional plane. Cross sections are used to analyze and understand the properties of 3-dimensional objects based on their 2-dimensional shapes.

use simpler terms

In math, a cross section is a 2D shape you get when you cut a solid object with a flat surface. It's like the shape you see after slicing something with a knife. Cross sections help us understand the properties of 3D objects by looking at their 2D shapes.