Smallest possible area of triangle

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the smallest possible area of a right-angled triangle given the side lengths of 2.7 cm and 3.4 cm, both specified to one decimal place. Participants are exploring the implications of rounding and measurement precision on the area calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the calculation and seeks assistance.
  • Another participant requests clarification on the problem statement, indicating difficulty in reading the original post.
  • A participant clarifies the problem by stating the dimensions of the triangle and emphasizes the significance of the measurements being given to one decimal place.
  • Another participant explains that the area of a right triangle is calculated as (1/2) base times height and suggests that the base could be as low as 2.6 cm and the height as low as 3.3 cm due to rounding.
  • The same participant prompts the original poster to calculate the smallest area based on these minimum values.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method for calculating the area of a right triangle, but there is no consensus on the final calculation or the implications of the rounding on the area.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the specific calculations or assumptions regarding the area based on the given measurements.

gazparkin
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Hi,

I'm trying to work out this question, and the answer I'm coming up with isn't right. Can anyone help me understand the calculation used to work this out?
 

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I can't read that nor enlarge it. Can't you just type the probelm in?
 
HallsofIvy said:
I can't read that nor enlarge it. Can't you just type the probelm in?
Yes, sorry it's not larger in the browser. The question is, in this right angled triangle, both measurements (2.7cm and 3.4cm) are given correct to 1 decimal place (d.p). What is the smallest possible area of the triangle?

Thank you :)
 
Okay. I presume you know that the area of such a right triangle is (1/2) base times height. Since the base is 2.7 cm "given to one decimal place", it could be as low as 2.6 cm. The height is 3.4 cm "given to one decimal place" so it could be as low as 3.3 cm. Now can you calculate the smallest area?
 

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