Find Area of a Triangle w/ Square Root Problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the area of a right triangle using the formula A=1/2bh, specifically when one of the dimensions involves a square root. Participants explore the calculation process and clarify terminology related to expressions and geometric figures.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about calculating the area of a triangle when one dimension includes a square root.
  • Another participant questions the clarity of the original expression and seeks clarification on what the poster means by "this" in their question.
  • A later reply corrects the initial poster's terminology, stating that expressions do not have areas, only geometric figures do, and emphasizes that the calculation performed was an evaluation of the expression to find the area.
  • There is a suggestion that using a calculator simplifies the calculation process, and a mention of alternative tools available on computers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the terminology used, particularly regarding expressions versus geometric figures. There is also a mix of understanding about the calculation process, with some participants clarifying and correcting earlier statements.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity in the initial question regarding the specific calculation steps, and some assumptions about the audience's familiarity with mathematical terminology may not hold.

P_Swift
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sorry, i know this isn't that difficult of a problem but the square root is messing me up. OK I am told to find the area of a right triangle. Now i know the area of a right triangle is A=1/2bh but i haven't encountered this type of problem before. OK so now A=1/2(15)(15 square root of 3), how would i go about figuring this out?
 
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A=1/2(15)(15 square root of 3),
Your expression is somewhat confusing.
how would i go about figuring this out?
What is "this" in your question?
 
nevermind i got it, i needed to find the area of that expression. I went out and bought a scientific calculator and...funny that makes things a lot easier. haha
 
Well, you didn't "find the area of that expression"! "Expressions" don't have areas, only plane geometric figures do. What you did was evaluate the expression which gives the area of the triangle. (I have a friend who says mathematicians are "anal-retentive"- but she is basing that on a very small sample!)

Yes, a calculator is certainly the best way to do such a calculation.

By the way- since you are putting this on the internet, you clearly have access to a computer and "Windows", at least, comes with a "calculator".
You could have used that!
 

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