SOLUTION: Find the perimeter and area of an equilateral triangle with side lenghth 4 feet. Hlep please is 4 the short leg or long leg and how do I find the perimter if theres a radical.

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: Find the perimeter and area of an equilateral triangle with side lenghth 4 feet. Hlep please is 4 the short leg or long leg and how do I find the perimter if theres a radical.       Log On


   

Question 701253: Find the perimeter and area of an equilateral triangle with side lenghth 4 feet.
Hlep please is 4 the short leg or long leg and how do I find the perimter if theres a radical.
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Find the perimeter and area of an equilateral triangle with side length 4 feet.
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Draw the picture. Each side of the triangle is 4 feet.
Perimeter = 3*4 = 12 feet
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Area = (1/2)(base)(height)
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Draw an altitude to one of the sides.
That altitude bisects the side in 2 feet and 2 feet
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Use Pythgoras to find the length of the altitude.
4^2 = 2^2 + h^2
16 = 4 + h^2
h^2 = 12
h = 2sqrt(3)
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Area = (1/2)4*2sqrt(3)
Area = 4sqrt(3) sq. feet.
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Cheers,
Stan H.