Triangle Area Homework Statement | Image for Reference

[keemosabi]

Homework Statement

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I don't know where to start.

 

[Astronuc]

What is the formula for the area of a triangle, if one is given base and height?

Has one done the cross product of two vectors?

 

[keemosabi]

What is the formula for the area of a triangle, if one is given base and height?

Has one done the cross product of two vectors?

(1/2)b*h

I haven't done the cross-product but it's preparation for the ACT, so there must be another way to do it.

 

[Astronuc]

Nevermind the cross-product. I was thinking that you had to find the area of the triangle. In future, please write out the problem statement in the post, rather than leaving it as a image.

Anyway, so we have A = 1/2 bh, as the area. Now if we take the line segment AB as the base, b, which is fixed, then what does h represent with respect to point C? And if the area, A, and base, b, remain constant, what does that imply about point C with respect to line segment AB?

 

[HallsofIvy]

Take AB as the base. As C moves, A and B stay fixed so b stays constant. In order that the area be constant, h must also be constant. That means C must move along a line parallel to AB.

 

[keemosabi]

Nevermind the cross-product. I was thinking that you had to find the area of the triangle. In future, please write out the problem statement in the post, rather than leaving it as a image.

Anyway, so we have A = 1/2 bh, as the area. Now if we take the line segment AB as the base, b, which is fixed, then what does h represent with respect to point C? And if the area, A, and base, b, remain constant, what does that imply about point C with respect to line segment AB?

Take AB as the base. As C moves, A and B stay fixed so b stays constant. In order that the area be constant, h must also be constant. That means C must move along a line parallel to AB.

Alright, I get it now. Thank you both for the help.

Astronuc, sorry about that. I'll write out the question next time.