/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 55 Multiple Choice What is the maxi... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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Multiple Choice What is the maximum area of a right triangle with hypotenuse 10? \(\begin{array}{llll}{\text { (A) } 24} & {\text { (B) } 25} & {\text { (C) } 25 \sqrt{2}} & {\text { (D) } 48} & {\text { (E) } 50}\end{array}\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
The maximum area of a right triangle with hypotenuse 10 is 25 square units. So, option (B) is the correct answer.

Step by step solution

01

Finding the length of the sides

Firstly, it can be noticed that for the area of a right triangle to be maximum, base and height should be of the same length because in this way the product will be maximized. Therefore, assuming a right triangle with the same base and height, we use Pythagorean theorem to find the lengths of these sides. Thus, if \( a \) is the length of the base and the height, \( a^2 + a^2 = 10^2 \) or \( 2a^2 = 100 \) or \( a^2 = 50 \). Hence, \( a = \sqrt{50} \).
02

Calculating the maximum area

With both base and height equal to \( \sqrt{50} \), the area, \( A \), of the right triangle can be found by using the formula \( A = 1/2 \times \text{base} \times \text{height} = 1/2 \times \sqrt{50} \times \sqrt{50} = 1/2 \times 50 = 25 \).

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Pythagorean Theorem
In a right triangle, the Pythagorean Theorem is fundamental for understanding the relationship among the three sides. The theorem states that the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. Mathematically, it is expressed as:
  • If the sides of the right triangle are \(a\) and \(b\), and the hypotenuse is \(c\), then
\[c^2 = a^2 + b^2\]This theorem helps in calculating unknown sides of a right triangle, especially when applied to real-world problems and various geometry exercises. Without the Pythagorean Theorem, determining the sides, as seen in the original exercise, would be exceedingly challenging.
Triangle Area
The area of a triangle, specifically a right triangle, is determined using a straightforward formula: one-half the product of its base and height. For a right triangle, the two legs serve as the base and height. The formula is:
  • Area \(A = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height}\)
To maximize the area of a right triangle, one strategy is to have its base and height of equal length when the hypotenuse is fixed. This is derived from the Pythagorean Identity, which maximizes the enclosed area when the sides are equal for a given perimeter or hypotenuse length. For example, in the problem, if the base and height are close in value, the calculated area can reach its maximum, making it an interesting application of geometry.
Geometry Concepts
Geometry involves studying various properties and measures of shapes and figures, including triangles, which are one of the simplest yet most fundamental shapes. Right triangles, especially, allow exploration of critical concepts like angles, symmetry, and the behavior of different geometric properties.
  • **Symmetry:** In right triangles with equal legs, symmetry ensures that calculations remain consistent and predictable.
  • **Angle Calculations:** Knowing one angle measurement helps deduce the rest, especially when one is a known right angle.
  • **Optimizations:** Geometry often involves maximizing or minimizing certain aspects, such as area or perimeter. Calculations based on the sides or angles lead to direct applications of geometric theorems and formulas.
By understanding these concepts, students can navigate exercises involving right triangles with greater confidence and apply these lessons to more complex geometrical interests, whether theoretical or practical.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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