# Area of triangle given two sides and altitude

A triangles altitude to the $15$in sides measures $8$in, find the area.

I drew the triangle and once I try to figure out the base using Pythagorean theorem I get $\sqrt {161}$, how do I solve the problem?

• I don't understand what you're trying to say – suomynonA Nov 25 '16 at 22:04
• Well the title is area of polygons and circles but for some reason it wasn't allowing me to post it because the title exist already, anyway I've drew a triangle and both the sides are 15 and the altitude is 8 so once I've tried to use pythagorean theorem to find the missing side I get radical 121 – Edith Mendoza Nov 25 '16 at 22:10
• Did a quick sketch on MS paint. Which is correct, the green or the red? – suomynonA Nov 25 '16 at 22:14
• @EdithMendoza - Please consider adding a diagram as the question is not clear from what you have written. – Shraddheya Shendre Nov 25 '16 at 22:15
• @suomynonA the green one matches how I have it because the question says the 15in sides but it doesn't say the base is 15 on the sides so when I use pythagorean theorem to solve for the missing side I end up with radical 121 – Edith Mendoza Nov 25 '16 at 22:18

The area of half of the base would be $\sqrt{15^2-8^2}=\sqrt{161}$ Multiply by the height, $8$, to get $8\sqrt{161}$
• The area is $8\sqrt{161}$ if your interpretation is correct – suomynonA Nov 25 '16 at 22:26