Triangle Height Practice Problems & Solutions - Free Worksheets

Master triangle height calculations with step-by-step practice problems. Learn to find altitudes in right, isosceles, and scalene triangles using geometric principles.

📚Master Triangle Height Calculations Through Interactive Practice
  • Calculate triangle heights using the Pythagorean theorem in right triangles
  • Find altitudes that fall inside and outside triangle boundaries
  • Apply height formulas to solve area and perimeter problems
  • Work with heights in isosceles triangles and parallelograms
  • Identify perpendicular segments from vertices to opposite sides
  • Solve complex geometry problems involving triangle altitudes

Understanding Triangle Height

Complete explanation with examples

Set the Height of a Triangle

The height of a triangle is the segment that connects a vertex to the opposite side such that it creates a 90-degree angle.

In every triangle, there are three heights, as there are three vertices from which the height can be calculated relative to the side that is opposite to each of them.

The height can be found either inside or outside of the triangle. If it does not run through the interior of the triangle, it is called an external height.

Below, we provide you with some examples of triangle heights:

A1 - triangle height

Detailed explanation

Practice Triangle Height

Test your knowledge with 36 quizzes

Determine the type of angle given.

Examples with solutions for Triangle Height

Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1

ABC is an isosceles triangle.

AD is the median.

What is the size of angle ADC ∢\text{ADC} ?

AAABBBCCCDDD

Step-by-Step Solution

In an isosceles triangle, the median to the base is also the height to the base.

That is, side AD forms a 90° angle with side BC.

That is, two right triangles are created.

Therefore, angle ADC is equal to 90 degrees.

Answer:

90

Video Solution
Exercise #2

ABC is a triangle.

What is the median of the triangle?

AAABBBCCCEEEFFFDDD

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the problem of identifying the median of triangle ABC \triangle ABC , we follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Understand the Definition - A median of a triangle is a line segment that extends from a vertex to the midpoint of the opposite side.
  • Step 2: Identify Potential Medians - Examine segments from each vertex to the opposite side. The diagram labels these connections.
  • Step 3: Confirm the Median - Specifically check the segment EC in the context of the line segment from vertex E E to the side AC AC , and verify it reaches the midpoint of side AC AC .
  • Step 4: Verify Against Options - Given choices allow us to consider which point-to-point connection adheres to our criterion for a median. EC is given as one of the choices.

Observation shows: From point E E (assumed from the label and position) that line extends directly to point C C —a crucial diagonal opposite from considered midpoint indications, suggesting it cuts AC AC evenly, classifying it as a median.

Upon reviewing the given choices, we see that segment EC EC is listed. Confirming that EC EC indeed meets at C C , the midpoint of AC AC , validates that it is a true median.

Therefore, the correct median of ABC \triangle ABC is the segment EC EC .

Answer:

EC

Exercise #3

AB is a side in triangle ADB

AAABBBCCCDDDEEE

Step-by-Step Solution

The problem asks us to confirm if AB is a side of triangle ADB.

Triangle ADB is defined by its vertices, A, D, and B. A triangle is formed when three vertices are connected by three sides.

  • Identify vertices: The vertices of the triangle are A, D, and B.
  • Identify sides: The triangle's sides should be AB, BD, and DA.
  • Observe: From the provided diagram, AB connects vertices A and B.

Therefore, based on the definition of a triangle and observing the connection between components, side AB indeed is a part of triangle ADB.

This confirms that the statement is True.

Answer:

True

Video Solution
Exercise #4

According to figure BC=CB?

AAABBBCCCDDDEEE

Step-by-Step Solution

In geometry, the distance or length of a line segment between two points is the same, regardless of the direction in which it is measured. Consequently, the segments denoted by BC BC and CB CB refer to the same segment, both indicating the distance between points B and C.

Hence, the statement "BC = CB" is indeed True.

Answer:

True

Video Solution
Exercise #5

AD is the median in triangle ABC.

BD = 4

Find the length of DC.

AAABBBCCCDDD4

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, since AD AD is a median of triangle ABC ABC , the median divides the opposite side BC BC into two equal segments.

Given BD=4 BD = 4 , this means that DC DC must also be equal to 4.

Therefore, the length of DC DC is 4 4 .

Answer:

4

Video Solution

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the height of a triangle and how do you find it?

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The height of a triangle is a perpendicular segment drawn from any vertex to the opposite side, forming a 90-degree angle. To find it, you can use the Pythagorean theorem in right triangles or area formulas where height = (2 × Area) ÷ base length.

Can a triangle height be outside the triangle?

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Yes, triangle heights can be external when the triangle is obtuse. In obtuse triangles, the altitude from the obtuse angle vertex falls outside the triangle, extending beyond the opposite side to maintain the perpendicular relationship.

How many heights does every triangle have?

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Every triangle has exactly three heights, one from each vertex to its opposite side. These three altitudes always intersect at a single point called the orthocenter, regardless of the triangle type.

What's the difference between triangle height and side length?

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Triangle height is always perpendicular to a side and may not be one of the triangle's three sides. Side lengths are the actual edges of the triangle, while heights are auxiliary lines used for calculations like finding area.

How do you calculate triangle area using height?

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The triangle area formula is: Area = (1/2) × base × height. Choose any side as the base, then use the corresponding height (perpendicular distance from the opposite vertex to that base) to calculate the area.

Why do isosceles triangles have special height properties?

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In isosceles triangles, the height from the vertex angle to the base bisects both the vertex angle and the base. This creates two congruent right triangles, making calculations easier and creating symmetrical properties.

What are common mistakes when finding triangle heights?

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Common errors include: 1) Confusing height with side length, 2) Not ensuring the height is perpendicular, 3) Measuring to the wrong side, 4) Forgetting that heights can be external in obtuse triangles.

How does the Pythagorean theorem help find triangle heights?

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When a triangle height creates a right triangle, you can use a² + b² = c² to find the missing height. The height becomes one leg, part of the base becomes the other leg, and the triangle's side becomes the hypotenuse.

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