Taylor P.

asked • 05/03/17

Angle of a triangle

The base of a triangle in terms of x is:       2x2+4x+2
                                                                  x-1
 
and the height is:                      x2+3x-4
                                                 x+1
 
What is the area of the triangle? Start by factoring, then reduce and multiply. Leave your answer in factored form. Be sure to show your work! Utilize the "strike-out" feature in the equation editor. It is the first tool located on the second tab.
 
Hint: A= 1/2bh
        

Taylor P.

Can someone please simplify Kenneth's answer below? I am not sure I got the right answer or not.
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05/03/17

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Katie B. answered • 05/03/17

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Are the height and base fractions?
 
Tip: 2x2 +4x+2 = 2(x + 1)(x + 1) and x2+3x-4 = (x + 4)(x - 1)
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Taylor P.

Yes they are. I had a line under them, but it got lost somewhere in the posting process.
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05/03/17

Kenneth S.

I assumed that those givens were rational algebraic expressions, so my submitted Answer (really just taking you toward the solution) stands. Can you finish the algebra work?
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05/03/17

Taylor P.

I'm sorry, but I am still not sure how to factor the given area below.
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05/03/17

Katie B.

I'm happy to help :)
 
So, knowing the formula for the area of a triangle is ½bh, we multiply our fractions as such
(I'll use * for multiplication to avoid confusing it with the "x" terms):
 
Area = ½ • 2(x + 1)(x + 1)  *  (x + 4)(x - 1)
                       x - 1                      x + 1
 
I can already tell the denominators will get crossed out because there are like terms in the other fraction.
So, the ½ and 2 cancel out to give us 1.  This will get really long, but bear with me!
 
Area = (x + 1)(x + 1)(x + 4)(x - 1) = (x + 1)(x + 4) = x2 + 5x + 4
                (x - 1)(x + 1)
 
Painless, right? I'm available if you need any tutoring :)
 
 
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05/03/17

Katie B.

I see what you meant by the way about the underlining (and strike-throughs) disappearing. Happened to me too. Hope this helps you.
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05/03/17

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