SOLUTION: Triangle ABC has its coordinates at A(a, -1), B(8, -1) and C(5,4). If the base is twice the height, find a.

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Geometry -> SOLUTION: Triangle ABC has its coordinates at A(a, -1), B(8, -1) and C(5,4). If the base is twice the height, find a.       Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


    

Question 759994: Triangle ABC has its coordinates at A(a, -1), B(8, -1) and C(5,4). If the base is twice the height, find a.
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The base may be contained on the lower, horizontal line of y=-1. The highest point is C, so the height for the triangle is |-1|+|4|=5.

Given: Base is twice the height, so using b for base, h for height, h=5 and so b=2%2A5=10.
Base is 10 units.

Consider the horizontal line again. One end point for the base is B(8,-1). We want 'a' where A is 10 units away from B. There are two choices for this. You can choose either a=8%2B10 or a=8-10. Both will work.