Area of Triangle: How to Calculate

[huntingrdr]

Homework Statement

Show that the area of a triangle with sides of lengths a and b with included angle theta is...

A = 1/2 a*b*sin(theta)

I am not sure what this question is really asking. Any help?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[dacruick]

i believe strongly that you can figure it out.

 

[huntingrdr]

If the area of a triangle is 1/2 b*h, and sin theta = opp/hyp, then that means a=h and b=b. Correct? Now how do I prove that the area is 1/2 a*b*sin(theta). I drew a right triangle and labeled the sides a and b, and the angle theta.

 

[GunnaSix]

It isn't necessarily a right triangle. Try making side "a" the base and dropping a height "h" down from the opposite corner.

 

[Mark44]

It isn't necessarily a right triangle. Try making side "a" the base and dropping a height "h" down from the opposite corner.

Furthermore, since the OP's problem states only that it is a triangle, he/she should not assume that it is a right triangle.