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A triangle with vertices located at (−2, −3) and (3, −3) has an area of 20 square units. Determine one possible location of the other vertex.

User Dharminder
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1 Answer

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Both given points have the same Y coordinate, so this can be the base of the triangle. The length of the base id the sum of the X values:

-3 to 3 is 5 units long.

Area of a triangle is 1/2 x base x height.

The area is given as 20 square units.

Calculate the height:

20 = 1/2 x 5 x Height

20 = 2.5 x height

Height = 20/2.5

Height = 8 units.

Using the point (-2,-3) keep the x value -2 then add 8 units to the Y value for the height:

The 3rd vertex could be (-2,5)

User Diogo Antunes
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