Question

MEDAL!~ Verify my answer please.
What is the area of an isosceles right triangle if the side opposite the right angle is 4 in?
my answer: approx 5.66in^2

Answer 1

side opposite the right angle is the hypotenuse = 4
isosceles triangle 2 sides equal let this = a
Pythagorean theorem
a^2 + a^2 = 4^2
2a^2 = 16 so a =rt8
Area = 1/2 base * height = 1/2 *rt8 *rt8
rt8 * rt8 = 8
I got area = 4

Answer 2

@triciaal I probably made a mistake. Uhm, can't I use this solution? (see attachment)

Answer 3

I'm confused as to when I should use the pythagorean theorem and the trigo functions >.< @triciaal

Answer 4

in your diagram a and c are switched c is the hypotenuse opposite the rt angle

Answer 5

Ah, that makes sense but using trigo functions is a no-no? D:> there's a slight difference between your answer and mine @triciaal