Math Problem Statement

Write a formula for the area of the regular polygon and solve for the height h.

Solution

To solve this problem involving the regular polygon (a pentagon in the image), let's break it down step by step.

Step 1: Formula for the Area AA

The area of a regular polygon can be calculated using the formula: A=12PhA = \frac{1}{2} \cdot P \cdot h Where:

  • PP is the perimeter of the polygon.
  • hh is the apothem (the perpendicular distance from the center to a side).

Since we are dealing with a regular pentagon, we can express the perimeter PP as: P=nbP = n \cdot b Where:

  • nn is the number of sides of the polygon (which is 5 in this case).
  • bb is the length of one side of the polygon.

Therefore, for a regular pentagon, the area becomes: A=12(5b)hA = \frac{1}{2} \cdot (5 \cdot b) \cdot h Simplifying the formula: A=52bhA = \frac{5}{2} \cdot b \cdot h

Step 2: Solve for the Apothem hh

Now we can solve for the apothem hh from the area formula. Rearranging the area equation to solve for hh: A=52bhA = \frac{5}{2} \cdot b \cdot h h=2A5bh = \frac{2A}{5b}

Final Answers:

  • Area formula: A=52bhA = \frac{5}{2} \cdot b \cdot h
  • Height formula: h=2A5bh = \frac{2A}{5b}

Would you like any additional clarification or further details on this? Here are some related questions that may help deepen your understanding:

  1. How would the formula for the area change if the polygon had more or fewer sides?
  2. Can you derive the formula for the area of a hexagon using the same approach?
  3. What happens to the apothem when the side length bb increases?
  4. How can we estimate the perimeter of an irregular polygon?
  5. How is the apothem related to the radius of the circumscribed circle of the polygon?

Tip:

For regular polygons, the apothem acts like the height of an equivalent triangle formed between the center and two adjacent vertices, making it essential in determining the area.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Polygons
Area of Regular Polygons

Formulas

A = (1/2) * P * h
P = n * b
A = (5/2) * b * h
h = (2A)/(5b)

Theorems

Area of a Regular Polygon Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10