Question

The perimeter of an isosceles triangle is 32 cm. The ratio of the equal side to its base is 3 : 2. Find the area of the triangle.

Answer 1

According to the question,

Perimeter of the isosceles triangle = 32 cm

It is also given that,

Ratio of equal side to base = 3 : 2

Let the equal side = 3x

So, base = 2x

Perimeter of the triangle = 32

⇒ 3x + 3x + 2x = 32

⇒ 8x = 32

⇒ x = 4.

Equal side = 3x = 3×4 = 12

Base = 2x = 2×4 = 8

The sides of the triangle = 12cm, 12cm and 8cm.

Let a = 12, b = 12, c = 8

s = (a + b + c)/2

⇒ s = (12 + 12 + 8)/2

= 32/2

= 16.

Area of the triangle = √s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)

= √16(16-12)(16-12)(16-8)

= √16×4×4×8

= 32√2 cm²