SOLUTION: the height of a triangle is three feet longer than the base. the area of the triangle is 35 square feet. find the height and base of the triangle.

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: the height of a triangle is three feet longer than the base. the area of the triangle is 35 square feet. find the height and base of the triangle.      Log On


   



Question 23109: the height of a triangle is three feet longer than the base. the area of the triangle is 35 square feet. find the height and base of the triangle.
Answer by rapaljer(4671) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x = base
x+3 = height

Area = 1/2*b*h= 35
%281%2F2%29%2Ax%2A%28x%2B3%29+=+35

Multiply both sides by 2:
x%28x%2B3%29=+70
x%5E2+%2B3x+-+70=0
%28x%2B10%29%28x-7%29=0

First solution:
x=-10 reject this solution!

Second solution:
x= 7 feet = base
x+3= 10 feet = height

Check: Area = 1/2*b*h = 1/2*7*10= 35 square feet

R^2 at SCC