Triangle Area 10 cm²: Finding Base X When Height is 5 Times Greater

Triangle Area with Variable Relationships

The area of the triangle below is equal to 10 cm² and its height is 5 times greater than its base.

Calculate X.

101010xxx

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Calculate X
00:03 Apply the formula for triangle area
00:06 (base x height) divided by 2
00:12 Substitute in the relevant values according to the given data and proceed to solve for X
00:19 Isolate X
00:36 This is the solution

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

The area of the triangle below is equal to 10 cm² and its height is 5 times greater than its base.

Calculate X.

101010xxx

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we shall adhere to the following steps:

  • Step 1: Utilize the area formula for triangles.
  • Step 2: Simplify the equation to find the variable x x .
  • Step 3: Verify the result against the multiple-choice options.

Now, let us execute these steps:

Step 1: Start by applying the triangle area formula A=12×base×height A = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height} .
The given area is 10cm2 10 \, \text{cm}^2 , the base is x x , and the height is 5x 5x . Thus, the formula becomes:

10=12×x×5x 10 = \frac{1}{2} \times x \times 5x

Step 2: Simplify the equation:
10=12×5x2 10 = \frac{1}{2} \times 5x^2 10=52x2 10 = \frac{5}{2}x^2

Multiply both sides by 2 2 to eliminate the fraction:

20=5x2 20 = 5x^2

Divide both sides by 5 5 :

4=x2 4 = x^2

Take the square root of both sides:

x=2 x = 2

So, the value of x x is 2\boxed{2}.

Step 3: Upon reviewing the given multiple-choice options, the answer x=2 x = 2 corresponds to one of the listed choices, ensuring our calculations align with the expected solution.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x=2 x = 2 .

3

Final Answer

x=2 x=2

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Formula: Area = ½ × base × height for any triangle
  • Technique: Substitute A = 10, base = x, height = 5x into formula
  • Check: With x = 2: Area = ½ × 2 × 10 = 10 cm² ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Setting up the height relationship incorrectly
    Don't write height = 5 + x instead of height = 5x = wrong relationship! This changes multiplication to addition and gives completely wrong answers. Always read 'times greater' as multiplication, so height = 5x.

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

What does 'height is 5 times greater than base' mean exactly?

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This means height = 5 × base. If the base is x, then the height is 5x. It's multiplication, not addition!

Why do I get x² in my equation?

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Because you're multiplying base (x) times height (5x), which gives x × 5x = 5x². This creates a quadratic equation that you solve by taking the square root.

Should I consider negative values for x?

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No! Since x represents a length measurement (the base of a triangle), it must be positive. Always take the positive square root for geometric problems.

How do I remember the triangle area formula?

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Think: Area = ½ × base × height. The ½ comes from the fact that a triangle is half of a rectangle with the same base and height!

Can I solve this without using x²?

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Not really! When you substitute the relationship (height = 5x) into the area formula, you naturally get 5x². Quadratic equations are common in geometry problems.

What if I made an arithmetic mistake?

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Always double-check your work! Substitute x = 2 back: base = 2, height = 5(2) = 10, so Area = ½ × 2 × 10 = 10 cm². It matches!

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