Elementary Geometry For College Students, 7e
Elementary Geometry For College Students, 7e
7th Edition
ISBN: 9781337614085
Author: Alexander, Daniel C.; Koeberlein, Geralyn M.
Publisher: Cengage,
Bartleby Related Questions Icon

Related questions

Question
### Finding the Height of a Triangle

#### Problem Statement:
b. Find the height \( h \) of the triangle.

#### Diagram Explanation:
The given image shows a right-angled triangle with the following side lengths:
- The base of the triangle is 8 cm.
- One side of the triangle (not the hypotenuse) is 4 cm.
- The hypotenuse (the longest side opposite the right angle) is 10 cm.

In the diagram, the height \( h \) is perpendicular to the given base and forms a right angle with it. The height splits the original triangle into two smaller right-angled triangles.

#### Solution:
To find the height \( h \), we can use the Pythagorean theorem, which states:
\[ a^2 + b^2 = c^2 \]

Here, we can consider the two right-angled triangles formed. Let's solve it step by step:

1. **Identify the right triangles and apply the Pythagorean Theorem**:
    - For the smaller triangle with sides \( h \) and 4 cm, and hypotenuse 10 cm:
      \[ h^2 + 4^2 = 10^2 \]
      \[ h^2 + 16 = 100 \]
      \[ h^2 = 84 \]
      \[ h = \sqrt{84} \]
      \[ h = 2\sqrt{21} \, \text{cm} \]
      
2. **Verifying the height**:
    - Ensure the obtained height is reasonable considering the overall dimensions of the original triangle.

#### Conclusion:
The height \( h \) of the triangle is \( 2\sqrt{21} \, \text{cm} \).

Understanding the geometric relations in triangles is crucial for solving problems involving heights. The Pythagorean theorem provides a reliable method when dealing with right-angled triangles.
expand button
Transcribed Image Text:### Finding the Height of a Triangle #### Problem Statement: b. Find the height \( h \) of the triangle. #### Diagram Explanation: The given image shows a right-angled triangle with the following side lengths: - The base of the triangle is 8 cm. - One side of the triangle (not the hypotenuse) is 4 cm. - The hypotenuse (the longest side opposite the right angle) is 10 cm. In the diagram, the height \( h \) is perpendicular to the given base and forms a right angle with it. The height splits the original triangle into two smaller right-angled triangles. #### Solution: To find the height \( h \), we can use the Pythagorean theorem, which states: \[ a^2 + b^2 = c^2 \] Here, we can consider the two right-angled triangles formed. Let's solve it step by step: 1. **Identify the right triangles and apply the Pythagorean Theorem**: - For the smaller triangle with sides \( h \) and 4 cm, and hypotenuse 10 cm: \[ h^2 + 4^2 = 10^2 \] \[ h^2 + 16 = 100 \] \[ h^2 = 84 \] \[ h = \sqrt{84} \] \[ h = 2\sqrt{21} \, \text{cm} \] 2. **Verifying the height**: - Ensure the obtained height is reasonable considering the overall dimensions of the original triangle. #### Conclusion: The height \( h \) of the triangle is \( 2\sqrt{21} \, \text{cm} \). Understanding the geometric relations in triangles is crucial for solving problems involving heights. The Pythagorean theorem provides a reliable method when dealing with right-angled triangles.
Expert Solution
Check Mark
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Geometry
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, geometry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Elementary Geometry For College Students, 7e
Geometry
ISBN:9781337614085
Author:Alexander, Daniel C.; Koeberlein, Geralyn M.
Publisher:Cengage,
Text book image
Elementary Geometry for College Students
Geometry
ISBN:9781285195698
Author:Daniel C. Alexander, Geralyn M. Koeberlein
Publisher:Cengage Learning