right triangle
Draw Your Own Figure
Question 1 with Solution

Last week, I went over a strategy for solving certain math problems on standardized tests by drawing a figure, and I gave you four problems to try on your own. You can see that post here: Math Strategy: Draw Your Own Figure

Today I would like to give a solution to the first of those four problems. I will give solutions to the other three problems throughout this week.

Example: What is the area of a right triangle whose sides have lengths 14, 48, and 50?

Try to solve the problem yourself before checking the solution below.

SolutionLet’s begin by drawing a picture

right triangle

 

Remember: The hypotenuse of a right triangle (the side opposite the right angle) is always longer than both legs.

In a right triangle we can always take the two legs to be the base and the height (in either order). So b = 14, h = 48, and

A = 1/2 bh = 1/2(14)(48) = 336.

 

More Problems with Explanations

If you are preparing for the SAT, ACT, or an SAT math subject test, you may want to take a look at the Get 800 collection of test prep books.

Get 800 Test Prep Books

And if you liked this article, please share it with your Facebook friends:

SAT Math Facebook Share Button

Get 800 SAT Math Prep Facebook Link Get 800 SAT Math Prep Twitter Link Get 800 SAT Math Prep YouTube Link Get 800 SAT Math Prep LinkedIn Link Get 800 SAT Math Prep Pinterest Link

 

Comments

comments