Find the height of any triangle?

1. Oct 10, 2011

moonman239

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

I have the side lengths of a triangle. The base is 190 ft long, side A is 182 ft long and side B is 363 ft long. That's all I know.

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

I know these side lengths are related somehow.

2. Oct 10, 2011

iRaid

I'm not 100% sure this is the formula, but try this:
$h=\frac{2}{c}\sqrt{s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)}$
where
$s=\frac{a+b+c}{2}$

3. Oct 10, 2011

ArcanaNoir

Draw the picture, use the law of sines or cosines to find the angle measures, drawn an altitude, calculate.

4. Oct 11, 2011

verty

Or you could use the fact that you know the distance of the apex from the other two corners to find two equations in x and y.

5. Oct 11, 2011

SammyS

Staff Emeritus
Use the law of cosines to find the angle opposite side B first.

6. Oct 11, 2011

phinds

DRAW THE DAMN PICTURE. All of the other suggestions here are good but if you don't start off by drawing a reasonable picture of what you're working with, you're shooting in the dark.

7. Oct 11, 2011

SammyS

Staff Emeritus
Very true !!!