Question

how do i find the altitude of a triangle

Answer 1

I dont know perhaps look in the book?

Answer 2

If the base length and area are given then you can find the altitude
(1/2)*base*altitude=area
There are many more ways

Answer 3

Good point abdul. Depends on the type of triangle and information given - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altitude_(triangle)

Answer 4

do you have a specific example?

Answer 5

@Austin is the top angle 90 degrees?

Answer 6

yes

Answer 7

i need to find x

Answer 8

Can you draw it more clearly?

Answer 9

you have similar triangles then

Answer 10

without knowing another angle this might be difficult

Answer 11

Austin, search for example 2 (b) here http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/Altitude-to-the-Hypotenuse.topicArticleId-18851,articleId-18818.html

Answer 12

"Example 2" - same set up, right triangle, same information, uses this theorem: "If an altitude is drawn to the hypotenuse of a right triangle, then it is the geometric mean between the segments on the hypotenuse."

Answer 13

so how do i find what x is?

Answer 14

Well, given this triangle, and the theorem I listed above

Answer 15

We know that 1/x = x/3

Answer 16

all these new fangled thrms :)

Answer 17

so x^2 = 3, x = sqrt(3)

Answer 18

lol I know =) not things you can just remember

Answer 19

\[geometric\ mean:\ \sqrt[n]{a_1*a_2*a_3*...*a_n}\]

Answer 20

so x = sqrt of 3?