Question

elena claims that the expression $\frac{1}{2}(4)(3)$ represents the area of the triangle, in square inches. explain why elena is not correct. then explain how to correct her error and find the area of the triangle.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall area formula

The area formula for a triangle is $A=\frac{1}{2}bh$, where $b$ is the base and $h$ is the height. The height must be perpendicular to the base.

Step2: Identify base and height

In the given triangle, if we assume the base $b = 4$ inches and the height $h=3$ inches (since the 3 - inch side is perpendicular to the 4 - inch side).

Step3: Calculate the area

Substitute $b = 4$ and $h = 3$ into the formula $A=\frac{1}{2}bh$. We get $A=\frac{1}{2}\times4\times3=6$ square inches. Elena is not correct because she likely did not correctly identify the base - height pair (the height must be perpendicular to the base). To correct her work, she should use the perpendicular base - height pair. In this case, the base is 4 inches and the height is 3 inches.

Answer:

The area of the triangle is 6 square inches.