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The area (in cm2) of an equilateral triangle whose altitude from vertex is 12 cm, is:
273
293
493
483
483
For an equilateral triangle with altitude h, the area is simply 3h2. Since 144/3=483, it is computed in seconds.
The altitude (h) of an equilateral triangle is 12 cm.
Area=3h2
For an equilateral triangle with altitude h, the area is simply 3h2. Since 144/3=483, it is computed in seconds.
Students often use the formula Area=43a2 and calculate the side length first, which takes much longer and increases the risk of calculation errors.
Identify the relationship between area and altitude
In an equilateral triangle with side a, the altitude h=23a. Rearranging for a, we get a=32h. Substituting this into the standard area formula A=43a2 yields the direct formula.
Area=43(32h)2=3h2
Substitute the given value
Given h=12 cm, substitute this value into the formula.
Area=3122=3144
Rationalize the denominator
Multiply the numerator and denominator by 3 to simplify.
Area=3144×3=483
D is correct because the calculated area of the equilateral triangle is 483 cm2.
This relationship is specific to equilateral triangles; for general triangles, remember Area=21×base×height.