SOLUTION: What is the area of a right triangle that has a 45 degree angle and a hypotenuse of 16cm? i tried using the formula A=1/2(B)(H) for the area of a triangle, but it didn't work si

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: What is the area of a right triangle that has a 45 degree angle and a hypotenuse of 16cm? i tried using the formula A=1/2(B)(H) for the area of a triangle, but it didn't work si      Log On


   

Question 144260: What is the area of a right triangle that has a 45 degree angle and a hypotenuse of 16cm?
i tried using the formula A=1/2(B)(H) for the area of a triangle, but it didn't work since i don't have the base or the height.
Answer by vleith(2983) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Drop a segment from the vertex at the right triangle down and intersect hypotenuse. What is the measure of both segments on the original hypotenuse? Right it cuts it in half , so they are both 8cm
This results in two new isosceles triangle (they also each are right triangles, with other angles equal to 45).
What do you know about the sides of an isosceles triangle? What can you say about the length of segment you just drew in? Right, that too is 8cm.
So now you have a base of 16cm and a height of 8cm.