Calculating the Area of a Triangle

In this video, Mr. J explains how to calculate the area of a triangle using the formula: base times height divided by two. He provides four examples, demonstrating the step-by-step process of plugging in values and solving for the area. The video also explains why the formula includes division by two, relating it to the area of a rectangle or parallelogram. Each example covers different measurements and units, including a case with a decimal result.

What is the formula for calculating the area of a triangle?

• Area = (Base x Height) / 2

• Area = Base + Height

• Area = 2(Base + Height)

• Area = Base x Height

What does the area of a shape represent?

• The length of the shape

• The space a shape occupies on a surface

• The volume of the shape

• The perimeter of the shape

In the first example, if the base is 5 inches and the height is 12 inches, what is the area?

• 60 square inches

• 30 square inches

• 17 square inches

• 24 square inches

Why do we divide by 2 when calculating the area of a triangle?

• Because it's a mathematical rule without reason

• To simplify the calculation

• To convert inches to square inches

• Because a triangle is half of a rectangle

In the second example, what is the area of a triangle with a base of 14 meters and height of 5 meters?

• 35 square meters

• 70 square meters

• 19 square meters

• 10 square meters

What units are used to measure the area of a triangle?

• Kilograms

• Linear units

• Cubic units

• Square units

In the third example, what is the area of a triangle with a base of 9 feet and height of 3 feet?

• 13.5 square feet

• 27 square feet

• 6 square feet

• 12 square feet

When calculating the area of a triangle, why might the result be a decimal?

• When the triangle is equilateral

• When using metric units

• When dividing an odd number by 2

• When the base or height is a decimal

In the fourth example, what is the area of a triangle with a base of 5 yards and height of 6 yards?

• 20 square yards

• 11 square yards

• 30 square yards

• 15 square yards

Why is the height of the triangle sometimes measured outside the triangle?

• Because of the triangle's shape

• It's a mistake; height should always be inside

• To make the calculation easier

• To increase the area