Smallest possible area of triangle

[gazparkin]

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?

 

[HallsofIvy]

I can't read that nor enlarge it. Can't you just type the probelm in?

 

[gazparkin]

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 :)

 

[HallsofIvy]

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?