SOLUTION: what is the largest possible area for a right triangle with the sum of the two shorter sides is 140 inches

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Question 802902: what is the largest possible area for a right triangle with the sum of the two shorter sides is 140 inches
Answer by fcabanski(1391) About Me  (Show Source):
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Here is the answer for an algebra student. If you are learning calculus, let me know. I will give you the answer with calculus.


For a right triangle with a certain combined length of the legs, the area is maximized when the legs are of equal length.


Each side is 70 inches. The area of a triangle is (b*h)/2 = (70*70)/2 = 4900/2 = 2450 square inches.