Question 1104597
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Let "x" be the length of the base (in feet).

Then the height is (x-3) ft, according to the condition.


The area of a triangle is half the product the base and the altitude.


It gives you an equation

{{{(1/2)*x*(x-3)}}} = 20,


x*(x-3) = 2*20 = 40

x^2 -3x - 40 = 0,

(x-8)*(x+5) = 0 ====>  x= 8 is the only positive solution.


<U>Answer</U>.  The base is 8 ft.  The height is 8-3 = 5 ft.
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Solved.