Kenneth S. answered • 06/10/16
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You MUST study the situation...the perpendicular from a vertex angle of an equilateral triangle creates two congruent right triangles whose angles measure 30, 60 & 90 degrees. Draw the figure!
The following facts should be memorized: In any 30-60-90 triangle, the short leg equals half the hypotenuse; the longer leg equals √3 times the short leg.
These facts will enable you to solve the problem. These facts are KEY to MUCH future work in Math & Physics and I cannot overemphasize the importance of understanding them. (They are based on Pytharorean Theorem + fact that the altitude to the base is bisector of vertex angle & bisector of base, in this situation.)
Amy S.
Can you please show me the full working and answer? I gave done the question but Im not sure if my answer is correct
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06/10/16
Kenneth S.
Amy, you MUST draw (and label) the figure. You will have two congruent right triangles; their hypotenuses are 2 cm because these hypotenuses are sides of the original equilateral triangle. The distance you want is one of the legs (the longer one) of these 30-60-90 triangles. THE HYPOTENUSE IS ALWAYS THE LONGEST OF 3 SIDES IN ANY RIGHT TRIANGLE AND THEREFORE 3 CM IS NOT CORRECT for the value that your question ask for.
Consult your figure; hypotenuse c = 2 cm; shorter leg a = 1 cm. Solve for the third side, b, using Pythagorean Theorem.
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06/10/16
Amy S.
06/10/16