Solve Triangle Height without Trig - Help for Kids

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving for the height of a triangle without using trigonometry, specifically for educational purposes. The area of the triangle is calculated using the formula area = (base * height) / 2, resulting in an area of 24 for a triangle with a base of 10. By rearranging the area formula, the height (h) is determined to be 4.8. Additionally, similarity of triangles is employed to confirm the height using ratios, yielding the same result of 4.8.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic geometry concepts, specifically triangles.
  • Familiarity with the area formula for triangles: area = (base * height) / 2.
  • Knowledge of triangle similarity and proportional relationships.
  • Basic algebra skills for solving equations.
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  • Study the properties of similar triangles and their applications.
  • Explore different methods for calculating the area of triangles.
  • Learn about geometric proofs involving triangle height and area.
  • Investigate other non-trigonometric methods for solving geometric problems.
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Parents helping children with geometry homework, educators teaching triangle properties, and students preparing for exams in basic mathematics.

ter27
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View attachment 1801 My daughter was given this problem in an exam. She could not do it and was never given the solution. I can do the problem using trig but she has not been taught trig yet. She says that it can be done without trig using a more simple method that she doesn't know. Could somebody please explain how it could be done without using trig. It would be most appreciated :confused:
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Hello.

Lo that I think simplest is:

area=\dfrac{6*8}{2}=24

By placing the right triangle to another position.

Then:

24=\dfrac{10*h}{2}

h=4.8

Regards.
 
Another method would be to use similarity.

$$\frac{h}{6}=\frac{8}{10}$$

$$h=\frac{48}{10}=4.8$$

or

$$\frac{h}{8}=\frac{6}{10}$$

$$h=\frac{48}{10}=4.8$$
 

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