Problema Solution

The ratio of the base of an isosceles triangle to its altitude is 3:4. Find the measures of yhe angles of the triangle.

Answer provided by our tutors

let


a = the length of the base


h = the length of the altitude


The ratio of the base of an isosceles triangle to its altitude is 3:4


a : h = 3 : 4 cross multiply


4a = 3h


h = (4/3)a


let


A is the measure of each angle that lies on the base


B is the third angle


tan A = h/(a/2)


plug h = (4/3)a into the last equation


tan A = ((4/3)a)/(a/2)


tan A = 8/3


A = arctan 8/3


A = 69.44 degrees


since 2A + B = 180


B = 180 - 2A


B = 180 - 2*69.44


B = 41.12 degrees


the measures of the angles in the triangle are 69.44 degrees and 41.12 degrees.