SOLUTION: a triangle has a base 4 m more than its altitude. If its area is 70 m squared, what is the altitude

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Question 661906: a triangle has a base 4 m more than its altitude. If its area is 70 m squared, what is the altitude
Answer by ReadingBoosters(3246) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
a = 1/2bh = 70
b=4+h
1/2(4+h)h = 70
1/2(4h + h^2)=70
4h + h^2 = 140
h^2 + 4h - 140 = 0
(h+14)(h-10)
h+14=0; h=-14 height should not be negative
h-10=0; h=10 Yes
altitude is 10m
Proof
1/2(14*10) = 1/2(140)=70