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| Math Central | Quandaries & Queries |
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Question from LYNDELL: I have a right triangle and know the length of all sides. How do I calculate the shortest distance from the vertex of the 90 degree angle to the hypotenuse? |
Hi Lyndell,
In the right triangle below $D$ is the point on $CA$ which is closest to $B.$
The angle $CDB$ is a right angle. Can you see why? What do you know about the relationship between the triangles $CBD$ and $CAB?$
Penny
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