A triangle and a rectangle

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Question from Someone, a student:

This is the question: "A certain triangle has sides that are, respectively, 6 inches, 8 inches, and 10 inches. A rectangle with an area equal to that of the triangle has a width of 3 inches. What is the perimeter of the rectangle, in inches."
I know that area= Height * Base divided by 2. But how would you know which
one is the height and base? And i know how do finish the problem. Thanks.

Hi,

This problem is easier than it seems because of the particular numbers used. The triangle has side lengths 6, 8 and 10 inches and 6² + 8² = 10². Thus Pythagoras' Theorem tells us that it is a right triangle.

Does thus help?
Penny

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