SOLUTION: The base of a triangle is 5 cm greater than the height. The area is 18cm ^2. Find the height and length of the base

Algebra ->  Expressions-with-variables -> SOLUTION: The base of a triangle is 5 cm greater than the height. The area is 18cm ^2. Find the height and length of the base      Log On


   

Question 155501: The base of a triangle is 5 cm greater than the height. The area is 18cm ^2. Find the height and length of the base
Answer by vleith(2983) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Area of triangle is given by {A = (bh)/2)}}}
b+=+h+%2B+5+
18+=+%28%28h%2B5%29%2Ah%29%2F2+
36+=+h%5E2+%2B+5h
0+=+h%5E2+%2B+5h+-+36
0+=+%28h+%2B+9%29%28h+-4%29
h = 4 or -9
Since the height cannot be -9, it must be 4
Base = h+5 = 9
Check your answer. Does 18+=+%289%2A4%29%2F2