Triangle Height Identification: Analyzing a Geometric Construction

Triangle Altitudes with Perpendicularity Assessment

Is the straight line in the figure the height of the triangle?

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Determine whether the straight line in the drawing is a height in the triangle
00:03 A height in a triangle extends from one of the triangle's vertices
00:06 and is also perpendicular to the side it meets
00:09 Therefore this line is not the height, and this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

Is the straight line in the figure the height of the triangle?

2

Step-by-step solution

To determine whether the given line is the height of the triangle, we start by understanding what defines the height of a triangle. The height, or altitude, is a line segment drawn from a vertex perpendicular to the opposite side (the base), forming a right angle with that side.
We need to examine whether the specified line in the diagram is indeed perpendicular to the base of the triangle. If the line is not perpendicular, then it cannot be considered the height.

Upon examining the triangle in the SVG diagram, observe the following:

  • The triangle, represented by vertices and sides, has a particular orientation.
  • The line in question is drawn from one vertex to another interior point or appears in the interior of the triangle.
  • Perpendicularity, if not explicitly shown by a right-angle marker, can also be evaluated by look or guided by other geometrical cues.
  • In this case, the line does not appear to be perpendicular to any side explicitly. Usually, height serves as intersection at 90 degrees.

Since the line does not form a 90-degree angle with the triangle's base as determined upon inspection, it is not the height. Therefore, the correct conclusion is that the line shown is not the height of the triangle.

Therefore, the correct answer is: No.

3

Final Answer

No

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Definition: Height is perpendicular from vertex to opposite side
  • Technique: Look for right angle markers or 90° indicators
  • Check: Verify line forms 90° angle with base side ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Assuming any line from vertex is height
    Don't assume every line from a vertex to the opposite side is the height = wrong identification! A height must be perpendicular (90°) to the base. Always check for perpendicularity using right angle markers or geometric indicators.

Practice Quiz

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Is the straight line in the figure the height of the triangle?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How can I tell if a line is perpendicular to the base?

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Look for a right angle symbol (small square) where the line meets the base. If there's no symbol, the line likely isn't perpendicular and therefore not the height.

Can a triangle have more than one height?

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Yes! Every triangle has three heights - one from each vertex perpendicular to the opposite side. Each height corresponds to treating a different side as the base.

What if the height falls outside the triangle?

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In obtuse triangles, some heights can extend outside the triangle. The height is still the perpendicular distance from vertex to the extended base line.

Does the height always go to the middle of the base?

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No! The height goes to wherever it meets the base at a 90° angle. This might be near one end, in the middle, or anywhere along the base.

Why is it important to identify heights correctly?

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Heights are crucial for calculating triangle area using the formula: Area = 12×base×height \frac{1}{2} \times base \times height . Using the wrong line gives an incorrect area!

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