Question

Find the area of a triangle with vertices A(0, 2), B(8, 2), and C(4, -3).

Answer 1

20

Explanation:

First, consider (0,2) and (8,2). The y-value is the same for both points. x ranges from 0 to 8, so the length of this horizontal side of the triangle is (8-0), or 8.

Again, this horiz. side has a y-value of 2.

The third point is (4,-3). Therefore the vertical distance from the horizontal line to the third point is 2 - (-3), or 5.

Thus, the "base" of the triangle is 8 and the "height" is 5.

The area is A = (bh)/2. Substitute the values 8 and 5. Simplify your result. Answer: 20 square units.