SOLUTION: The area of triangle T is 625 square inches. If the length of the base b is half the length of the altitude drawn to that base, then what is the length of the altitude?

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: The area of triangle T is 625 square inches. If the length of the base b is half the length of the altitude drawn to that base, then what is the length of the altitude?       Log On


   

Question 339847: The area of triangle T is 625 square inches. If the length of the base b is half the length of the altitude drawn to that base, then what is the length of the altitude?

Found 2 solutions by nerdybill, Earlsdon:
Answer by nerdybill(7384) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The area of triangle T is 625 square inches. If the length of the base b is half the length of the altitude drawn to that base, then what is the length of the altitude?
.
Let x = altitude
then
x/2 = base
.
(1/2)base*height = area
(1/2)(x/2)x = 625
(x/4)x = 625
x^2/4 = 626
x^2 = 2504
x = 50 inches

Answer by Earlsdon(6294) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Start with the area of a triangle:
A+=+%281%2F2%29b%2Ah Substitute A+=+625 and b+=+h%2F2
625+=+%281%2F2%29%28h%2F2%29%28h%29 Simplify.
625+=+h%5E2%2F4 Multiply both sides by 4.
2500+=+h%5E2 Take the square root of both sides.
50+=+h
The length of the altitude is 50 inches.