Question

The side lengths of the following right triangle 15,20 and 25, as shown below. The altitude from the right angle splits the hypotenuse into line segments of length x and y. Solve for h,x, and y.

Answer 1

Answer:

$h = 12$

$x = 9$

$y= 16$

Step-by-step explanation:

Given

The attached triangle

Required

Find h, x and y

Let the base of the triangle be 15.

So, the area is:

$A = \frac{1}{2} * 15 * 20$

$i.e\ height = 20$

$A = \frac{1}{2} * 300$

$A = 150$

Let the base of the triangle be 25.

So, the area is:

$A = \frac{1}{2} * 25 * h$

$i.e\ height = h$

$A = \frac{1}{2} * 25h$

Substitute $A = 150$

$\frac{1}{2}*25h = 150$

Solve for h

$h = \frac{150 *2}{25}$

$h = 6 *2$

$h = 12$

Considering the smallest triangle

$Hypotenuse = 15$

So:

$15^2 = h^2 + x^2$

$15^2 = 12^2 + x^2$

This gives:

$15^2 - 12^2 = x^2$

$81 = x^2$

Take square roots

$9 =x$

$x = 9$

Solving for y

$x + y = 25$

$y= 25 - x$

$y= 25 - 9$

$y= 16$