<PRE><B>Question 889963</B>
A = 1/2 times base times height 
Let b = base 
8 = 1/2 times b times b - 6 
8 = (b/2)(b-6) 
8 = (b^2-6b)/2 
8 * 2 = b^2-6b 
16 = b^2-6b 
b^2 -6b - 16 = 0 
Solve the quadratic equation for b to find your answer. 
(b - 8)(8 + 2) = 0 

Set each factor to zero and solve for b individually. 
b - 8 = 0 
b = 8 
b + 2 = 0 
b = -2 
Reject b = -2 because distance cannot be NEGATIVE. 
Answer: Base = 8 meters. 

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