SOLUTION: A triangle with the area of 12m squared has a height that is 5 m more than its base. What is the height of the triangle? So far i just can't seem to get the write way to start s

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Question 493449: A triangle with the area of 12m squared has a height that is 5 m more than its base. What is the height of the triangle?
So far i just can't seem to get the write way to start solving. I know that you have to have the base times the height plus 5 meters and divide by 2 but i can't figure out how to start it

Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
"height that is 5 m more than its base" ___ h = b + 5

"A triangle with the area of 12m squared" ___ 12 = (1/2)(b)(h)

substituting ___ 12 = (1/2)(b)(b + 5)

24 = b^2 + 5b ___ 0 = b^2 + 5b - 24

factoring ___ 0 = (b + 8)(b - 3)