SOLUTION: how do i find the length of the altitude of an equilateral triangle with side lengths of 16 ft.

Question 951150: how do i find the length of the altitude of an equilateral triangle with side lengths of 16 ft.

Answer by josgarithmetic(39630) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Pythagorean Theorem and understanding the symmetrical nature of an equilateral triangle. Drawing one altitude separates the equilateral triangle into two special 30-60-90 right triangles. If short leg of either such triangle is x, the hypotenuse is 2x. Use Pythagorean Theorem formula to find the length of the longer leg, which is here the same as the altitude of the equilateral triangle.

Now in your example, 2x=16.

You should draw the figure, and you should form the equation and solve it.
RELATED QUESTIONS
the side of an equilateral triangle is 16 cm. find the length of its altitude (answered by richwmiller)

Determine the length of the altitude of an equilateral triangle whose side lengths... (answered by josgarithmetic)

What is the length of an altitude of an equilateral triangle with side lengths 8 route 3 (answered by richwmiller)

in an equilateral triangle ABC with side lengths of 9 inches .ADis an altitude. what is... (answered by macston,MathLover1)

An equilateral triangle has side lengths of 15. What is the length of its... (answered by lwsshak3)

find the length of the altitude of an equilateral triangle of side... (answered by thepianist25)

find the length of altitude of an equilateral triangle of side 36 cm each? (answered by Cromlix)

how do you find the area of an equilateral triangle with side length 2 radical... (answered by edjones)

Find the length of the altitude of an equilateral triangle whose side measures 6... (answered by nerdybill)