Area of a Triangle
Area of a triangle from its base and height.
A = \dfrac{1}{2} \times b \times h
1What it means
A triangle covers exactly half the area of a rectangle with the same base and height. The height must be measured perpendicular to the base.
2Variables
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A | Area |
| b | Base |
| h | Perpendicular height |
3Worked examples
Example 1 Worked solution
Q. Find the area of a triangle with base 10 cm and height 6 cm.
- A = ½ × b × h = ½ × 10 × 6.
- = ½ × 60.
✓ A = 30 cm²
4Where it's used
- ✦Finding areas of triangular plots and roof sections.
- ✦Breaking irregular shapes into triangles to measure them.
5Tips & common mistakes
- !Height is the perpendicular distance, not a slanted side.
- !For three known sides, use Heron’s formula instead.