The base length of this triangle is the integer 9. Let’s use the pythagorean theorem to solve for the base of the triangle below: In this example, the shorter lengths of the triangle (the base and height) are on the left side of the equation whereas the longest side (the hypotenuse) is on the right side. Variables a and b represent the base and height of the triangle and variable c represents the hypotenuse. We use the pythagorean theorem to determine the side lengths of a right triangle. įinding the Base & Height Using The Pythagorean Theorem So, let’s go through the process of determining the base and height of a right triangle so we can perform the formula A = ½ base × height. In this case, we have to take a few more steps to solving for the area of a right triangle. Simple enough, right? However, in geometry we’re not always given both the base and height measurements. Let’s use this formula to find the area of the triangle below: If we have this information, we can use the following equation to determine the area: It’s easiest to calculate the area when we know the length of the base and height. We can only find the area of the triangle when we know two of the side lengths. In geometry, we often need to find the area of a triangle. The hypotenuse is the side opposite the right angle and is the longest of the three. The base and height are the two adjacent sides to the right angle. Perhaps the easiest way to approach these formulae is to start with the most basic triangle form: The Right Triangle.Ī right triangle is characterized as having one 90° angle, a base, height, and hypotenuse. Don’t let the goofy shape names confuse you, every type of triangle has a simple formula for finding area, base, and height. Why can’t triangles all be the same? It’d be nice if isosceles, equilateral, acute, and obtuse triangles followed the same rules as right triangles, but unfortunately they do not.
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