Solve for X in Right Triangle: Given Area 22.5 and Side X+6

Right Triangle Areas with Algebraic Sides

Calculate X using the data in the figure below.

A=22.5A=22.5A=22.5X+6X+6X+6555AAABBBCCC

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1

Understand the problem

Calculate X using the data in the figure below.

A=22.5A=22.5A=22.5X+6X+6X+6555AAABBBCCC

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we need to determine X X using the triangle area formula. Let's break it down step-by-step:

  • Step 1: The area of a triangle ΔABC \Delta ABC is given by: Area=12×base×height \text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height}
  • Step 2: We substitute the given values where the base is (X+6) (X + 6) and the height is 5 5 : 22.5=12×(X+6)×5 22.5 = \frac{1}{2} \times (X + 6) \times 5
  • Step 3: Simplify the equation: 22.5=12×5×(X+6) 22.5 = \frac{1}{2} \times 5 \times (X + 6)
  • Step 4: Multiply out the constants: 22.5=52×(X+6) 22.5 = \frac{5}{2} \times (X + 6)
  • Step 5: Clear the fraction by multiplying both sides by 2: 45=5×(X+6) 45 = 5 \times (X + 6)
  • Step 6: Divide both sides by 5: 9=X+6 9 = X + 6
  • Step 7: Solve for X X : X=96=3 X = 9 - 6 = 3

Therefore, the solution to the problem is X=3 X = 3 .

3

Final Answer

3

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Formula: Area of triangle equals one-half base times height
  • Technique: Substitute known values: 22.5 = ½ × (X + 6) × 5
  • Check: Verify X = 3: ½ × (3 + 6) × 5 = 22.5 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to multiply by ½ in the area formula
    Don't use Area = base × height = wrong result twice as large! This ignores the triangle area formula completely. Always multiply by ½ since triangles have half the area of rectangles with the same base and height.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Calculate the area of the triangle using the data in the figure below.

444777AAABBBCCC8.06

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do we use ½ in the triangle area formula?

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A triangle has half the area of a rectangle with the same base and height. The formula Area=12×base×height \text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height} accounts for this relationship.

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

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In a right triangle, the base and height are the two sides that form the right angle (90°). The third side is the hypotenuse and isn't used in the area formula.

What if I get a negative value for X?

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Check your algebra! In geometry problems, side lengths are always positive. A negative result usually means an error in your calculations or setup.

Can I solve this without using the area formula?

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No - the area is the only given information that connects the unknown side X+6 with the known side 5. Without the area formula, you can't create an equation to solve.

Why is the answer X = 3 and not X = 9?

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Be careful with your final step! We found that X+6=9 X + 6 = 9 , so X=96=3 X = 9 - 6 = 3 . The side length is X+6 = 9, but X itself equals 3.

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