SOLUTION: PLEASE HELP! I don't know how to find the length of any altitude. There are several problems on my homework like this, so if i understand the steps for this problem, i can figure o

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Triangles -> SOLUTION: PLEASE HELP! I don't know how to find the length of any altitude. There are several problems on my homework like this, so if i understand the steps for this problem, i can figure o      Log On

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Question 147268: PLEASE HELP! I don't know how to find the length of any altitude. There are several problems on my homework like this, so if i understand the steps for this problem, i can figure out the others. THANKS!


A triangle that has a 13-inch side, a 14-inch side, and a 15-inch side has an area of 84 square inches. Accepting this fact, find the lengths of all three altitudes of this triangle.

Answer by scott8148(5880) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
the area of a triangle is 1/2 times the base times the height (altitude)

the area is given (84), so let any side be the base and you can find the altitude to that side
__ do this for all three sides

eg. 84=(1/2)(14)(x) __ 168=14x __ 12=x __ so the altitude to the 14" side is 12"