Problema Solution
the area of a triangular flag is 72 square centimeters. its altitude is 2 centimeters longer than twice its base. find the lengths of the altitude and the base
Answer provided by our tutors
let
h = the altitude of the triangle, h>0
a = the base of the triangle, a>0
the area of a triangular flag is 72 square centimeters:
(1/2)(ah) = 72 multiply both sides by 2
ah = 144
its altitude is 2 centimeters longer than twice its base:
h = 2 + 2a
plug h = 2 + 2a into ah = 144
a(2 + 2a) = 144
by solving we find
a = 8 cm
click here to see the step by step solution of the equation:
h = 2 + 2*8
h = 18 cm
the length of the altitude is 18 cm.
the length of the base is 8 cm.