Answer:
5 inches
Step-by-step explanation:
As the height is perpendicular to the base, the radius and the height form a right angle, creating a right triangle where the slant height is the hypotenuse, thus:
[tex](height)^2+(radius)^2=(slant\:height)^2[/tex]
[tex]4^2+(6/2)^2=(slant\:height)^2[/tex]
[tex]16+9=(slant\:height)^2[/tex]
[tex]25=(slant\: height)^2[/tex]
[tex]5=slant\: height[/tex]
In conclusion, the slant height of the cone is 5 inches. See below for a visual.