The area of a triangle varies jointly with the height of the triangle and the length of its base. The area of one triangle is 270

square centimeters when its height is 30
centimeters and its base length is 18
centimeters. What is the area of a triangle having a height of 25
centimeters and a base length of 16
centimeters?

1 answer

The area \( A \) of a triangle can be expressed using the formula:

\[ A = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height} \]

Given that the area varies jointly with the height and the base, we can write:

\[ A = k \times \text{base} \times \text{height} \]

where \( k \) is a constant of proportionality.

We know that for one triangle:

  • Area \( A = 270 \) square centimeters
  • Height \( h = 30 \) centimeters
  • Base length \( b = 18 \) centimeters

Substituting these values into the equation, we get:

\[ 270 = k \times 18 \times 30 \]

Calculating \( 18 \times 30 \):

\[ 18 \times 30 = 540 \]

Now we substitute back into the area equation:

\[ 270 = k \times 540 \]

To find \( k \), divide both sides by 540:

\[ k = \frac{270}{540} = \frac{1}{2} \]

Now, we need to find the area of a triangle with:

  • Height \( h = 25 \) centimeters
  • Base length \( b = 16 \) centimeters

Using the formula for the area with the determined constant \( k \):

\[ A = k \times \text{base} \times \text{height} \]

Substituting the values:

\[ A = \frac{1}{2} \times 16 \times 25 \]

Calculating \( 16 \times 25 \):

\[ 16 \times 25 = 400 \]

Now substituting into the area equation:

\[ A = \frac{1}{2} \times 400 = 200 \]

Thus, the area of the triangle with a height of 25 centimeters and a base length of 16 centimeters is:

\[ \boxed{200} \text{ square centimeters} \]