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.