SOLUTION: Solve the following problem. Be sure to make a diagram of the situation with all the given information labeled. An equilateral triangle (one with all sides the same length) has

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: Solve the following problem. Be sure to make a diagram of the situation with all the given information labeled. An equilateral triangle (one with all sides the same length) has      Log On


   

Question 1134984: Solve the following problem. Be sure to make a diagram of the situation with all the given information labeled.
An equilateral triangle (one with all sides the same length) has an altitude of 12.5 inches. Find the length of the sides. (Round your answer to one decimal place.)

= . in
Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, MathTherapy:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
This altitude cuts the triangle into two special right triangles, each with a leg x and hypotenuse 2x. Then you have x%5E2%2B12.5%5E2=%282x%29%5E2, or you can simply choose the formula if you know it. The hypotenuse 2x is what you are looking for.

Answer by MathTherapy(10551) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Solve the following problem. Be sure to make a diagram of the situation with all the given information labeled.
An equilateral triangle (one with all sides the same length) has an altitude of 12.5 inches. Find the length of the sides. (Round your answer to one decimal place.)

= . in
I won't make a diagram for you. You have to do that yourself.

Since the altitude is the longer leg of one of the 2 right triangles formed, the length of the HYPOTENUSE is: 

Remember that the other 2 sides are also 14.4" long.