Question

In triangle △ABC, ∠ABC=90°, BH is an altitude. Find the missing lengths. AH=4 and HC=1, find BH.

Answer 1

Answer:

BH = 2

Step-by-step explanation:

The altitude divides the triangle into similar triangles. The ratio of the long side to the short side is the same for all, so ...

 AH/BH = BH/HC

 4/BH = BH/1

 4 = BH² . . . . multiply by BH

 2 = BH . . . . . take the square root

Answer 2

Answer:

  BH = 2

Step-by-step explanation:

The altitude divides the triangle into similar triangles. The ratio of the long side to the short side is the same for all, so ...

  AH/BH = BH/HC

  4/BH = BH/1

  4 = BH² . . . . multiply by BH

  2 = BH . . . . . take the square root