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 33 quizzes

Given the following triangle:

Write down the height of the triangle ABC.

AAABBBCCCDDD

Examples with solutions for Triangle Height

Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1

Is DE side in one of the triangles?
AAABBBCCCDDDEEE

Step-by-Step Solution

Since line segment DE does not correspond to a full side of any of the triangles present within the given geometry, we conclude that the statement “DE is a side in one of the triangles” is Not true.

Answer:

Not true

Video Solution
Exercise #2

Determine the type of angle given.

Step-by-Step Solution

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

  • Step 1: Examine the diagram presented.
  • Step 2: Identify any familiar angle formations or configurations.
  • Step 3: Use knowledge of angles to classify the type shown.
  • Step 4: Determine the correct response from available options.

Observing the diagram:

The diagram includes two lines, one horizontal and the other vertical, extending fully. This horizontal extent along with the linear continuation suggests it forms an angle at the intersection with 180180^\circ. This indicates a straight angle.

We classify straight angles because an angle formed by two lines directly facing opposite directions is known to measure 180180^\circ. This diagrammatic representation aligns perfectly to confirm it calculates and visually shows a straight angle.

Thus, by recognizing these details within the diagram, we confirm the type of angle as Straight.

Answer:

Right

Video Solution
Exercise #3

Determine the type of angle given.

Step-by-Step Solution

The problem involves classifying the angle represented visually, which looks like a semicircle with a central axis drawn. This indicates an angle that spans half a complete circle.

A complete circle measures 360360^\circ, so half of it, represented by a semicircle, measures half of 360360^\circ, which is 180180^\circ.

The four primary classifications for angles are:

  • Acute: Less than 9090^\circ
  • Right: Exactly 9090^\circ
  • Obtuse: Greater than 9090^\circ but less than 180180^\circ
  • Straight: Exactly 180180^\circ

Since the angle measures exactly 180180^\circ, it is classified as a straight angle.

Therefore, the type of angle given is Straight.

Answer:

Straight

Video Solution
Exercise #4

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

Step-by-Step Solution

The task is to determine whether the line shown in the diagram serves as the height of the triangle. For a line to be considered the height (or altitude) of a triangle, it needs to be a perpendicular segment from a vertex to the line that contains the opposite side, often referred to as the base.

Let's analyze the diagram:

  • The triangle is described by its vertices, forming a shape, and one side is the base. There's a line drawn from one vertex directed toward the opposite side.
  • To be the height, this line must be perpendicular to the side it meets (the base).
  • Though the figure does not explicitly show perpendicularity with a right angle mark, the line appears as a straight, direct connection from the vertex to the base. This is typically indicative of it being a height.
  • Assuming typical geometric conventions and the common depiction of heights in diagrams, the line shows properties consistent with being perpendicular to the opposite side, thereby functioning as the height.

Based on the analysis, the line is indeed the height of the triangle. Thus, the answer is Yes.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is Yes.

Answer:

Yes

Video Solution
Exercise #5

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

Step-by-Step Solution

To determine if the straight line in the figure is the height of the triangle, we must verify the following:

  • The line segment must extend from a vertex of the triangle and be perpendicular to the opposite side (or its extension).

In examining the figure provided, we notice that the triangle is formed by vertices at points A,B, A, B, and C C . Let's assume the base is the line segment BC \overline{BC} .

The line in question extends from a vertex A A and appears to intersect the base BC BC at a right angle.

  • Since it is extending from vertex to the opposite side and forming a right angle with it, this line meets the definition of an altitude.

Therefore, the line in the figure is indeed the height of the triangle. By confirming the perpendicular relationship, we determine that this geometric feature correctly describes an altitude.

Yes, the straight line in the figure is the height of the triangle.

Answer:

Yes

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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