Solve for H/L Ratio in Equal Tetrahedron

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the ratio of height (H) to edge length (L) in a regular tetrahedron, concluding that H/L = √(2/3). The user initially attempted to establish the relationship using geometric principles but encountered confusion regarding the altitude of the triangular face. Clarifications were provided regarding the correct altitude calculation of an equilateral triangle, emphasizing that the height of the triangle is L√3/2, not H/2. This distinction is crucial for accurately solving the problem.

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chmilne
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Here's the problem:

A regular tetrahedron is a three-dimensional object that has four faces, each of which is an equilateral triangle. Each of the edges of such an object has a length L. The height H of a regular tetrahedron is the perpendicular distance from one corner to the center of the opposite triangular face. Show that the ratio between H and L is H/L = sqrt (2/3).

Here's what I've done so far:
Take a look at the attachment.

L2 = H2 + (H/2)2
L2 = H2 + (H2/2)
L2 = ( (2H2)/2 ) + (H2/2)
L2 = 3H2/2
2L2 = 3H2
(√2)L = (√3)H
((√2) / (√3)) / L = H
((√2) / (√3)) = H / L
√(2/3) = H / L

I was excited that I thought I had found the answer that I completely squared the 'b' in this euqation, thus throwing off the rest of the equation. I know I'm close, but I seem to be missing something. Will someone please help?
 

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Im finding it kinda hard to understand your working, but shouldn't the second line be:
L2 = H2 + (H2/4)
?
 
The center of an equilateral triangle is on the altitude, 1/3 of the way from the vertex to the base. That is not "H/2". If an equilateral triangle has sides of length L, what is the length of the altitude? What is 1/3 of that?
 
In an equilateral triangle the Height is always side times sq(3)/2, that's basic Geometry knowledge, but do you mean the height of the whole figure, or the height of one of the faces? That...is not the same.
 

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