SOLUTION: I was asked to calculate the area of a rhombus split into two triangles. The triangles were equilateral and it gave me two sides that were both 6. I understand I can use Heron's f

Question 635190: I was asked to calculate the area of a rhombus split into two triangles. The triangles were equilateral and it gave me two sides that were both 6. I understand I can use Heron's formula for this, but I came across a part in this certain problem I didn't understand. So, first I do S=one-half (6+6+6). It is 9. Then, you do s(9-6)(9-6)(9-6) and square it. They put the answer as 9 and a squared 3 where its under the little house thing. How did they get from 9(3)(3)(3)squared to that?!
Answer by solver91311(24713) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Heron's formula is:

Where did you get the idea that you have to square

, since

means take the square root?

Just multiply it out and then take the square root. You have 5 factors of 3, which you can write as 81 times 3. The square root of 81 is 9 and the square root of 3 is

. Don't forget to double your answer since it takes two of these triangles to make your rhombus. And oh by the way, "the little house thing" is called a radical.

John

My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it

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