Math Problem Statement

The base of an isosceles triangle is 16 cm and its area is 48 cm². Then the perimeter of the triangle is:

Solution

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"The base of an isosceles triangle is 16 cm and its area is 48 cm². Then the perimeter of the triangle is:"

Let's solve this step by step:

Step 1: Define Variables

Let the height of the isosceles triangle be hh, and let the two equal sides of the triangle be aa.

The area AA of the triangle is given by the formula: A=12×base×heightA = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height} Given:

  • Base = 16 cm
  • Area = 48 cm²

Step 2: Calculate the Height

Using the area formula: 48=12×16×h48 = \frac{1}{2} \times 16 \times h Solving for hh: 48=8×h48 = 8 \times h h=488=6cmh = \frac{48}{8} = 6 \, \text{cm}

Step 3: Use the Pythagorean Theorem to Find the Length of the Equal Sides

Since the triangle is isosceles, the height splits the triangle into two right triangles with:

  • One leg as half of the base (8 cm),
  • The other leg as the height (6 cm),
  • Hypotenuse as one of the equal sides aa.

Using the Pythagorean theorem: a2=82+62a^2 = 8^2 + 6^2 a2=64+36=100a^2 = 64 + 36 = 100 a=100=10cma = \sqrt{100} = 10 \, \text{cm}

Step 4: Calculate the Perimeter

The perimeter PP of the isosceles triangle is given by: P=base+2×equal sideP = \text{base} + 2 \times \text{equal side} P=16+2×10=16+20=36cmP = 16 + 2 \times 10 = 16 + 20 = 36 \, \text{cm}

Final Answer:

The perimeter of the triangle is 36\boxed{36} cm.

Would you like more details or further explanations?

Here are some related questions for practice:

  1. How do you calculate the area of any triangle given the base and height?
  2. How does the Pythagorean theorem apply to isosceles triangles?
  3. What is the relationship between the height and equal sides of an isosceles triangle?
  4. How do you find the perimeter of other types of triangles?
  5. What other properties distinguish isosceles triangles from other types?

Tip: Remember that in any isosceles triangle, the altitude from the vertex to the base bisects the base into two equal segments, creating two right triangles.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Triangles
Area and Perimeter
Pythagorean Theorem

Formulas

Area of triangle: A = (1/2) * base * height
Pythagorean Theorem: a^2 + b^2 = c^2
Perimeter of isosceles triangle: P = base + 2 * equal sides

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8