SOLUTION: How long is the altitude to the base of an isosceles triangle if the sides of the triangle are 13, 13, and 10.

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Question 838246: How long is the altitude to the base of an isosceles triangle if the sides of the triangle are 13, 13, and 10.

Answer by LinnW(1048) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The altitude can be determined using a%5E2+%2B+b%5E2+=+c%5E2
c = 13
a = altitude
b = (1/2)(10) = 5
a%5E2+%2B+%285%29%5E2+=+%2813%29%5E2
a%5E2+%2B+25+=+169
subtract 25 from each side
a%5E2+=+144
Take the square root of each side
a = 12