SOLUTION: a triangle has an area of 10 square units and enclosed by the x-axis, y-axis and the line 2y+ax-10=0. Find the values of a

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: a triangle has an area of 10 square units and enclosed by the x-axis, y-axis and the line 2y+ax-10=0. Find the values of a      Log On


   



Question 1151945: a triangle has an area of 10 square units and enclosed by the x-axis, y-axis and the line 2y+ax-10=0. Find the values of a
Found 2 solutions by rothauserc, MathLover1:
Answer by rothauserc(4718) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
solve the line equation for y
:
y = -ax/2 +5
:
therefore, the y-axis intercept is 5
:
area of triangle = (1/2) * base * height
:
(1/2) * base * 5 = 10
:
base = 4 which is the x-axis intercept
:
-a(4)/2 +5 = 0
:
-2a = -5
:
a = 5/2
:

Answer by MathLover1(20849) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
a triangle has an area of 10 square units and enclosed by the x-axis, y-axis and the line 2y%2Bax-10=0
Find the values of a
given:
a triangle has an area of 10
x=0+ is y-axis, and y=0 is x-axis.

2y%2Bax-10=0=> if x=0},
2y=10
y=5=>y-intercept is at (0,5)=> one leg of triangle (height) is 5

ax=10-2y=> if y=0}
ax=10-2%2A0
ax=10

=>x=10%2Fa=> the other leg of triangle, x- intercept is at (10%2Fa,0)

since a triangle has an area of 10, we have
10=%281%2F2%29%2A5%2810%2Fa%29
10=50%2F2a
10%2A2a=50
2a=5
a=5%2F2
and, your equation is:
2y%2B%285%2F2%29x-10=0
then x- intercept is at (10%2Fa,0)=(4,0)
check the area:
10=%281%2F2%29%2A5%2810%2F%285%2F2%29%29
10=%281%2F2%29%2A5%2820%2F5%29
10=%281%2F2%29%2A20
10=10