Right Triangle Side Length: Finding BC When Area = 27 and Height = 9

Triangle Area Formula with Height Identification

ABC right triangle with an area of 27.

How long is side BC?

272727999AAABBBCCC

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:06 Let's find the value of side B C.
00:09 We'll use the formula for the area of a triangle.
00:13 That's height A B times base B C, divided by two.
00:18 Now, substitute the given values and calculate to find B C.
00:24 Multiply the equation by two to make it easier.
00:30 Next, isolate B C on one side.
00:38 Divide twenty-seven by nine to get three.
00:43 And that's the solution!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

ABC right triangle with an area of 27.

How long is side BC?

272727999AAABBBCCC

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Use the given information to set up the equation for the area of the triangle.

  • Step 2: Calculate the length of side BC BC using the area formula.

  • Step 3: Verify the solution with the given choices.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: We know the area of the right triangle ABC \triangle ABC is given as 27 27 . The formula for the area of a right triangle is: Area=12×base×height\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height}
Given that AB=9 AB = 9 can be considered as the base, let BC BC be the height. Thus, the area formula translates to: 27=12×9×BC 27 = \frac{1}{2} \times 9 \times BC

Step 2: We solve for BC BC by rearranging the formula:
27=12×9×BC 27 = \frac{1}{2} \times 9 \times BC
27=4.5×BC 27 = 4.5 \times BC
BC=274.5 BC = \frac{27}{4.5}
BC=6 BC = 6

Step 3: According to the calculation, the length of BC BC is 6 6 . Reviewing the choices given, the correct answer is option 1: 6 6 .

Therefore, the length of side BC BC is 6 6 .

3

Final Answer

6

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Area Formula: Right triangle area equals half base times height
  • Technique: 27=12×9×BC 27 = \frac{1}{2} \times 9 \times BC gives BC=6 BC = 6
  • Check: Verify 12×9×6=27 \frac{1}{2} \times 9 \times 6 = 27

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing which sides are base and height
    Don't assume the longest side is always the base = wrong setup! In right triangles, base and height must be the two perpendicular sides that form the right angle, not the hypotenuse. Always identify the right angle first, then use its two forming sides.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Angle A is equal to 30°.
Angle B is equal to 60°.
Angle C is equal to 90°.

Can these angles form a triangle?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I know which sides are the base and height?

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In a right triangle, the base and height are always the two sides that meet at the right angle. The third side (hypotenuse) is never used in the area formula. Look for the square symbol or 90° angle!

Why is the area formula different for right triangles?

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Actually, it's the same formula as any triangle! For right triangles, it's just easier because the base and height are perpendicular, so you don't need to worry about angles or complex calculations.

What if I get a different answer when I switch base and height?

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You should get the exact same answer! If you don't, double-check your arithmetic. The area formula 12×base×height \frac{1}{2} \times base \times height works both ways since multiplication is commutative.

Can I use this method for any triangle?

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This specific method works best for right triangles where you know two perpendicular sides. For other triangles, you might need different formulas like Heron's formula or 12absin(C) \frac{1}{2}ab\sin(C) .

How do I check my answer is correct?

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Substitute your answer back into the area formula: 12×9×6=27 \frac{1}{2} \times 9 \times 6 = 27 . If you get the given area, you're right!

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