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Hello, I'm Christine.

I'm doing an project in school about tessellations.
But first, I have to construct an equilateral triangle with an altitude of exactly 2 inches.
I know how to draw an equilateral triangle...but I don't know what I have to do in order for the triangle to have an altitude of 2 inches.

Thank you,
Christine

Hi Christine,

By construct I expect that you mean with straight edge and compass but in addition you have a way to measure 2 inches.

I would start by constructing a 60 degree angle and then bisecting it.

bisector

Now measure along the bisector a distance of 2 inches to a point P. At P construct a line which is perpendicular to the bisector.

triangle

Now you have an equilateral triangle. Can you see why?

Penny

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