Math Problem Statement

Given AC = 18 and BC = 12, find the height h from B to AC.

Solution

The image contains a problem related to a triangle. Here is a transcription of the text:

"Given AC=18AC = 18 and BC=12BC = 12, find the height hh from BB to ACAC."

The problem provides the lengths of the sides ACAC and BCBC of a triangle and asks for the height hh from point BB perpendicular to side ACAC.

Let's proceed with solving this problem.

Solution:

To find the height hh, we can use the Pythagorean theorem. Assuming that ABC\triangle ABC is a right triangle with ABC=90\angle ABC = 90^\circ:

  1. Use the Pythagorean theorem: AB2=AC2+BC2AB^2 = AC^2 + BC^2 Substitute the given values: AB2=182+122=324+144=468AB^2 = 18^2 + 12^2 = 324 + 144 = 468 AB=468=4×117=211721.63AB = \sqrt{468} = \sqrt{4 \times 117} = 2\sqrt{117} \approx 21.63

  2. Find the area using base ACAC and height hh: The area AA of ABC\triangle ABC can also be expressed as: A=12×AC×hA = \frac{1}{2} \times AC \times h

  3. Find the area using base BCBC and height ABAB: Another way to express the area is: A=12×BC×ABA = \frac{1}{2} \times BC \times AB Substituting the known values: A=12×12×21.63129.78A = \frac{1}{2} \times 12 \times 21.63 \approx 129.78

  4. Equating both expressions for the area: 12×18×h=129.78\frac{1}{2} \times 18 \times h = 129.78 Solving for hh: h=129.78×218259.561814.42h = \frac{129.78 \times 2}{18} \approx \frac{259.56}{18} \approx 14.42

So, the height hh from point BB to line ACAC is approximately 14.42 units.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How would you calculate the area of a triangle using other side lengths?
  2. What other methods can be used to find the height in non-right triangles?
  3. What is the importance of understanding the properties of right triangles in trigonometry?
  4. How does the Pythagorean theorem apply to triangles that are not right-angled?
  5. Can we use trigonometric ratios to find the height in this case? If so, how?

Tip: When dealing with triangles, always consider the possibility of using trigonometric identities or properties such as the Pythagorean theorem to simplify the calculations.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Right Triangle
Trigonometry

Formulas

Pythagorean Theorem
Area of a Triangle Formula

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10