SOLUTION: I am having a bit of a problem understanding this question. Help please? Thank you very much. Here is the problem... A right triangle has legs 15inches and 12inches. Every dim

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Triangles -> SOLUTION: I am having a bit of a problem understanding this question. Help please? Thank you very much. Here is the problem... A right triangle has legs 15inches and 12inches. Every dim      Log On

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Question 88610: I am having a bit of a problem understanding this question. Help please? Thank you very much. Here is the problem...

A right triangle has legs 15inches and 12inches. Every dimension is multiplied by 1/3 to form a new right triangle with legs 5inches and 4inches. How is the ratio of the areas related to the ratio of the corresponding sides?
Answer by uma(370) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Original dimensions of the triangle are 15 in and 12 in
Area in this case = (1/2)*15*12
= 90 sq in
Dimensions of the new triangle are 5 in and 4 in
Area in this case = (1/2)*5*4
= 10 sq in
Now ratio of the areas = 90:10
= 9:1
Ratio of the sides = 15:5 and 12:4
= 3:1 and 3:1
So we find that the ratio of the areas is the square of the ratio of the sides
Good Luck!!!