Math Problem Statement

  1. Find the area of a triangle whose base is x + 2 inches and whose height is x - 2 inches

Solution

To find the area of a triangle, you can use the formula:

Area=12×base×height\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height}

For this triangle, the base is x+2x + 2 inches, and the height is x2x - 2 inches. Plugging these values into the formula:

Area=12×(x+2)×(x2)\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times (x + 2) \times (x - 2)

Next, recognize that (x+2)(x2)(x + 2)(x - 2) is a difference of squares:

(x+2)(x2)=x24(x + 2)(x - 2) = x^2 - 4

So the area becomes:

Area=12×(x24)\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times (x^2 - 4)

Area=12x22 square inches\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2}x^2 - 2 \text{ square inches}

Thus, the area of the triangle is:

12x22 square inches\boxed{\frac{1}{2}x^2 - 2} \text{ square inches}


Do you want more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. What is the area of the triangle if x=4x = 4 inches?
  2. How does the area change if the base is doubled and the height remains the same?
  3. What would the area be if both the base and height were increased by 3 inches?
  4. How do you calculate the area of a triangle if given only the three side lengths?
  5. What happens to the area of the triangle as xx increases?

Tip: Always simplify algebraic expressions carefully, especially when dealing with squares and differences.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Algebra

Formulas

Area of a triangle

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

High School