SOLUTION: Hello, I need help finding the length of an altitude of an equailateral triangle if the length of a side is 6 units. Thank you

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: Hello, I need help finding the length of an altitude of an equailateral triangle if the length of a side is 6 units. Thank you      Log On


   

Question 70608: Hello,

I need help finding the length of an altitude of an equailateral triangle if the length of a side is 6 units.

Thank you
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Cut the length of the base in half, since the height bisects the base. Now you will have a triangle of a base of 3 units and a hypotenuse of 6 units. Now use pythagorean's theorem to find the height. 
                    h%5E2%2B3%5E2=6%5E2
                    h%5E2=36-9
                    h=sqrt%2827%29