SOLUTION: The height of a triangle is 9 meters less than its base. The area of the triangle is 56 m^2. Find the length of the base.

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: The height of a triangle is 9 meters less than its base. The area of the triangle is 56 m^2. Find the length of the base.      Log On


   

Question 964550: The height of a triangle is 9 meters less than its base. The area of the triangle is 56 m^2. Find the length of the base.
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A=%281%2F2%29bh
56=%281%2F2%29b%28b-9%29
b%5E2-9b=112
b%5E2-9b-112=0
%28b%2B7%29%28b-16%29=0
Only positive solutions make sense here,
b-16=0
b=16
Then,
h=16-9
h=7