Area of a square with side m is equal to area of a triangle with base m, find the altitude of the triangle?

Question

hello Dear,

 

Please i need step by step solution to the above question. It's my home work.

 

I will be greatful if you could help me with the problem.

 

Many thanks and Happy 2017

 

Sincerely,

 

Nellie

Answer 1

Hi Nellie,

 

The area of the square can be represented by A = m². The area of the triangle can be represented by A = 1/2 mh.

 

But we are given that the areas are equal, so 1/2 mh = m². Now we need to solve that equation for h. Since m is positive we can simply divide both sides by m to reach 1/2 h = m. Now multiply both sides by 2 to get h = 2m.

 

Try it using a specific number for m to convince yourself that that areas will be equal.

 

For example a square with side 8 has area 64 square units.

 

A triangle withe base 8 and height double that (16) will have area = 1/2 (8) (16) = 64 square units.