Understanding Altitudes in Geometry | Definition, Properties, and Applications

Altitude

In mathematics, the term “altitude” is typically used in geometry to refer to a line segment or line that is drawn from a vertex of a triangle perpendicular to the opposite side (or the extension of the opposite side)

In mathematics, the term “altitude” is typically used in geometry to refer to a line segment or line that is drawn from a vertex of a triangle perpendicular to the opposite side (or the extension of the opposite side). The altitude divides the triangle into two smaller triangles, and its length is the distance between the vertex and the opposite side.

There are three altitudes in any triangle, each originating from a different vertex and intersecting the opposite side at a right angle. The point of intersection where the altitude meets the opposite side is called the orthocenter.

The concept of altitude is important in various geometric calculations and theorems. For example, the area of a triangle can be determined by multiplying the length of the base (the side opposite the vertex from which the altitude is drawn) by the length of the corresponding altitude and then dividing the result by 2. Additionally, the length of the altitude can be used to determine the length of the sides of a right triangle through the Pythagorean theorem or trigonometric ratios.

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