Question

Suppose you have the equilateral triangle JKL where each side measures 5 feet with an altitude from K to JL. Which is the measure of the altitude?

Answer 1

The measure of the altitude in the equilateral triangle JKL is approximately 4.33 feet.

Step-by-step explanation:

The measure of the altitude in the equilateral triangle JKL is approximately 4.33 feet.

An equilateral triangle has all three sides equal in length. In this case, each side measures 5 feet. The altitude is a line segment from one vertex of the triangle to the opposite side, forming a right angle with the base. To find the length of the altitude, we can use the Pythagorean theorem. Let's call the length of the altitude 'x'. Using 'x' as one leg of a right triangle, and the side of the equilateral triangle as the other leg, we have:

x² + (2.5)² = 5²

x² + 6.25 = 25

x² = 25 - 6.25

x² = 18.75

x = √18.75

x = 4.33

Therefore, the measure of the altitude in the equilateral triangle JKL is approximately 4.33 feet.