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.