The Triangle

To begin we will list definitions of what a triangle is and some of its characteristics.

  • Triangle: geometric figure consisting of three points joined together by segments.
  • Acute Triangle: no angle greater than 90 degrees
  • Obtus triangle: one angle greater than 90 degrees
  • Right triangle: a 90 degree angle
  • Isosceles triangle: 2 equal sides, 2 equal angles
  • Equilateral triangle: 3 equal sides, 3 angle of 60 degrees
  • Height of a triangle: a line segment that starts at a vertices forming a right angle with the opposite side.
  • Base of a triangle: The side of the triangle with which the height forms a right angle.
Now that we have the basic terminology defined we can look at the properties of perimeter and area:
  • The perimeter is the total length of the sides of a triangle. To find the perimeter you must add the length of all three sides of the triangle. 
  • The area the triangle on the other hand is the surface covered by the triangle. In order to find it, you need the value of the height and the base; Area=(height*base)/2
The interactive triangle allow you to move points or segment around. It automatically adjust the value of angles, segments, perimeter and area. The terminology AB, BC, CD refers to the length of the line segment from one point to the other.

Interactive triangle

Notice that when the angle at C or B is obtus (more than 90 degrees) the height at A lies outside of the triangle. This may cause certain difficulties when calculating the area of the triangle. Here is a tutorial video that will explain and help you to find the height and base of any triangle.

How to find the height and base on triangles

For additional information follow the link