Question

Each base angle of an isosceles triangle measures 55 degrees and 30 minutes. Each of the congruent sides is 10 centimeters long. Estimate the following problems to the nearest tenth.
a. Find the altitude of the triangle.
b. What is the length of the base?
c. Find the area of the triangle.

Answer 1

55 degrees and 30 minutes ---> since a degree is 60 minutes then 55 deg 30' = 55.5

Answer 2

if we split the triangle into two equal halves we can use trig ratios (the altitude is the opposite side of the angle 55.5) and the adjacent side (one half of the total base)

after that, area = (1/2)bh where b is the total base of the whole triangle and h is the height (altitude, in this case)

lmk if you need some help setting up the trig ratios