To solve the problem with the given conditions, let's break it down step by step.
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An expression for the base of the triangle:
Let's denote the height of the triangle as \( h \). According to the problem, the base \( b \) is four less than three times the height. Thus, the expression for the base is:
Response: b = 3h - 4 -
Equation for the area of the triangle, substituting in for the base:
The formula for the area \( A \) of a triangle is given by:
\[ A = \frac{1}{2} \times b \times h \]
Since we know the area is 38 square centimeters, we can substitute our expression for the base:
\[ 38 = \frac{1}{2} \times (3h - 4) \times h \]
Rearranging gives us:
Response: 38 = (1/2)(3h - 4)(h) -
The first step in solving for \( h \):
To eliminate the fraction, we can multiply both sides of the equation by 2:
\[ 76 = (3h - 4) \times h \]
This step breaks it down to a simpler quadratic equation:
Response: Multiply both sides by 2.
These responses summarize the expressions and steps needed to set up and begin solving for the height of the triangle.