Example

Finding the Base of a Triangle Given Its Area and Height

Apply the geometry problem-solving strategy to find the base of a triangle when its area and height are known.

Problem: A triangular tent door has an area of 1515 square feet. The height is 55 feet. What is the length of the base?

  1. Read: A triangle has an area of 1515 sq. ft. and a height of 55 ft. Draw and label the figure.
  2. Identify: The length of the base.
  3. Name: Let b=b = the length of the base.
  4. Translate: Write the triangle area formula and substitute the given values: A=12bhA = \frac{1}{2}bh 15=12b515 = \frac{1}{2} \cdot b \cdot 5
  5. Solve: Multiply both sides by 22 to clear the fraction: 30=5b30 = 5b. Divide by 55 to completely isolate bb: b=6b = 6.
  6. Check: Using the area formula, verify that 1265=35=15\frac{1}{2} \cdot 6 \cdot 5 = 3 \cdot 5 = 15 \checkmark
  7. Answer: The length of the base is 66 feet.

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Updated 2026-05-02

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