Question

jazlyn wants to purchase a triangular trampoline. what is the formula for finding the area of a triangle? $a = \frac{1}{2}bh$ $a = (\frac{b_1 + b_2}{2})h$ $a = 2bh$ $a = bh$

Explanation:

The formula for the area of a triangle is derived from the relationship between a triangle and a parallelogram. A parallelogram with the same base \(b\) and height \(h\) as a triangle has an area of \(A = bh\). Since a triangle is half of a parallelogram, the area of a triangle is \(A=\frac{1}{2}bh\). The formula \(A = (\frac{b_1 + b_2}{2})h\) is for the area of a trapezoid (where \(b_1\) and \(b_2\) are the lengths of the two parallel sides). The formula \(A = 2bh\) has no geometric meaning for common 2 - D shapes. The formula \(A=bh\) is for the area of a parallelogram (or a rectangle, which is a special case of a parallelogram).

Answer:

\(A=\frac{1}{2}bh\)