Question

The base of an isosceles triangle is 24 inches and one of the base angles is 53o. Find to the nearest inch the altitude drawn to the base. Hint: Draw the right triangle as it is described on the problem. 1. Describe your reasoning and the steps you will take into finding the answer to the problem. 2. Find the answer to the problem.

Answer 1

16 Inches

Explanation:

An Isosceles Triangle has two equal sides. A line drawn from the altitude to the base (where the base is the third unequal side) divides the base into two equal parts.

Therefore, the right triangle formed by this problem is a right triangle with a base of 12 inches. We are required to calculate the height, h of the right triangle.

(b)Using Trigonometric ratios

`\tan 53^\circ =(h)/(12)\\ $Cross multiply\\h=12 * \tan 53^\circ\\h=15.9 \approx 16$ Inches`