Calculate Triangle Area: Right Triangle with Base 3.5 and Height 4.6

The area formula $A = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height}$ only needs the two perpendicular sides. The hypotenuse is the longest side but isn't used for area calculations - only for finding missing sides or perimeter!

In a right triangle, the base and height are the two sides that form the 90° angle. They're perpendicular to each other. The small square symbol in the corner shows you the right angle!

No, it doesn't matter! Since multiplication is commutative, $3.5 \times 4.6 = 4.6 \times 3.5$. You'll get the same area either way.

Since we're calculating area, your answer should be in square units. If the sides were in centimeters, your answer would be in square centimeters (cm²).

You need to know it's a right triangle to use this formula! For other triangles, you'd need different formulas. The right angle symbol or being told it's a right triangle is essential.

Think of the triangle as half of a rectangle! If you drew a rectangle with the same base and height, the triangle would be exactly half that area. That's why we multiply by $\frac{1}{2}$.