SOLUTION: A triangle is formed by the x-axis, y-axis and the line y=mx+6, where m>0. If the area of the triangle is 48 units squared, then what is the value of m? Thanks!

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: A triangle is formed by the x-axis, y-axis and the line y=mx+6, where m>0. If the area of the triangle is 48 units squared, then what is the value of m? Thanks!       Log On


   

Question 1037158: A triangle is formed by the x-axis, y-axis and the line y=mx+6, where m>0. If the area of the triangle is 48 units squared, then what is the value of m?
Thanks!
Answer by robertb(5830) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Clearly the y-intercept is 6. The x-intercept is gotten by letting y = 0 and solving for x, i.e., -6/m. Since m >0, then -6/m < 0.
==> The side of the triangle formed by the origin and the x-intercept has length 6/m.
==> Area = %281%2F2%29%2A6%2A%286%2Fm%29+=+48
==> 18%2Fm+=+48 ==> m = 18/48, or highlight%28m+=+3%2F8%29.