Express the area of an equilateral triangle as a function

AI Thread Summary
To express the area of an equilateral triangle as a function of its side, the discussion revolves around the relationship between the area (A) and the variables x and y defined by the equations A=x^2 and 2y-3x=12. One participant derived the equation A=4/9y^2 - 2/3y + 20 but faced confusion regarding the steps taken to arrive at this result. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the properties of equilateral triangles, including their angles and the general area formula. Clarification is sought on the correct manipulation of equations and the derivation of the area function based on the triangle's dimensions. The discussion highlights the need for careful algebraic expansion and verification of results in geometric contexts.
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If A=x^2 and 2y-3x=12, express A as a function of y.
i got A= 4/9y^2 - 2/3y + 20
is that right?

and

Express the area of an equilateral triangle as a function of its side.
 
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gillgill said:
If A=x^2 and 2y-3x=12, express A as a function of y.
i got A= 4/9y^2 - 2/3y + 20
is that right?

and

Express the area of an equilateral triangle as a function of its side.

How did you arrive at your equation for A(y) ? Can you show your intermediary steps? (I found a different equation).

For equilateral triangle, I'll steer you in the right direction. What can you tell me about he properties of an equilateral triangle?
What are their angles equal to? Do you know the general formula for the area of a triangle?
 
1) A=x^2 and 2y-3x=12;x=2/3y-4
A=(2/3y-4)^2 - (2/3y-4)
=4/9y^2 + 16 - 2/3y + 4
=4/9y^2-2/3y +20
Where is my mistake?

2) 3 equal sides...all 60 degrees angle...B x H/2
 
gillgill said:
1) A=x^2 and 2y-3x=12;x=2/3y-4
A=(2/3y-4)^2 - (2/3y-4)
=4/9y^2 + 16 - 2/3y + 4
=4/9y^2-2/3y +20
Where is my mistake?

2) 3 equal sides...all 60 degrees angle...B x H/2

1) okay A=x^2 and 2y-3x=12 is given
you solved the right expression for x,
x= \frac{2}{3}y-4 which looks fine

Next I see you plugging in your value for x into an equation:
A = x^2-x Why?

Where did you get that equation from? :confused:

If you follow my meaning, next be careful when you expand (\frac{2}{3}y-4)^2
it is the same as this operation (\frac{2}{3}y-4)(\frac{2}{3}y-4)

2) equilateral \Delta, 3 equal sides, all angles 60 deg, Area = 1/2 base*ht .. good

Let each side of your \Delta be length s
If you draw your \Delta with a vertex at the top, drop a vertical
from that vertex to the bottom of \Delta (so it bisects it).
You now have two equal right \Delta's, inside your equilateral \Delta. And the vertical line is now your height.
Can you see where I'm leading?

What are the angles inside your two right \Deltas?
Is there something special about them such that you can determine the
sides of each right triangle in terms of s ?
With that information you should be able to find the area of the equilateral
\Delta as a function of its side s. :cool:
 
Last edited:
As a quick tip, if you want to check if you have performed manipulations like this correctly, put some numbers into make sure that both sides of the equation are still the same.
 
Did you see what I mean about this equation?
A = x^2-x?

You have x=2/3y-4 and then A=(2/3y-4)^2 - (2/3y-4).
But in the beginning you said that A = x^2.

How did you make out with the triangle part of your question?
 
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