Question 595991
Hi, there---
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In order to find the area of a triangle we need to know the base B and the height H. Then we use the formula for the area of a triangle, A=BH/2.
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[I] Find the base
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By definition, the sides of an equilateral triangle are the same, so our base is {{{8sqrt(3)}}}.
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[II] Find the height
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If we draw a line segment for the height of the equilateral triangle, we see that it divides the triangle into two congruent 30-60-90 degree right triangles. The hypotenuse of the 30-60-90 triangle is {{{8sqrt(3)}}}. Its base is half the length of the hypotenuse, or {{{4sqrt(3)}}}, and the height of the  other leg is {{{(sqrt(3))/2}}} times the hypotenuse, or 12.
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[III] Find the area
{{{A=(1/2)(B)(H)}}}
{{{A=(1/2)(4sqrt(3))(12)}}}
{{{A=24sqrt(3)}}}
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That's it! Feel free to email if any part of the explanation doesn't make sense.
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Mrs.Figgy
math.in.the.vortex@gmail.com