Math Is Fun Forum

Laughsingrun

Member

Registered: 2010-10-05

Posts: 5

Triangles!

So I have a right triangle with a hypotenuse of (square root symbol)2x and a height of 2(x+1). What is the volume?

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Triangles!

Hi Laughsingrun;

A triangle is a two dimensional figure it does not have a volume.

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In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Laughsingrun

Member

Registered: 2010-10-05

Posts: 5

Re: Triangles!

Well, I meant that it was a right triangular prism. Guess you can't mindread ...

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,583

Re: Triangles!

hi Laughsingrun,

Ok, but that's not enough information.  The volume of a prism is base area x height but you only have the hypotenuse. (??)

Now if it is an isosceles triangle, we can deduce that the other sides are each x, [by Pythag]

so  (½ times x times x) times height =

If not isosceles, you'll have to check what else you have been given to find the sides.

Incidentally, bobbym has many great powers to solve problems, but we have no evidence that mind reading is one of them.  It may be that he keeps this skill a secret. 

Bob

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Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob