SOLUTION: A triangle has sides measuring 8 m, 5 m, and 5 m. What is the length of the height to the longest side?

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: A triangle has sides measuring 8 m, 5 m, and 5 m. What is the length of the height to the longest side?      Log On


   

Question 825069: A triangle has sides measuring 8 m, 5 m, and 5 m. What is the length of the height to the longest side?
Answer by josgarithmetic(39630) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
two sides are equal, so isosceles.
Cut this into two equal right triangles from the point opposite the 8 m length to the middle of this 8 m length. The segment joining these is the height, and is a leg of each of the right triangles.

h is for height, NOT hypotenuse here.
h%5E2%2B%288%2F2%29%5E2=5%5E2
h%5E2=25-16=9
h=3