You are here:

Advanced Math/SQUARE FEET IN A PIE SHAPE AREA>

Advertisement

Expert: Jack Cheng - 12/15/2006


Question
HOW CAN I FIND THE EXACT AREA OF A SHAPE WHEN IT HAS NO EQUAL SIDE'S ? FOR EXAMPLE THIS SHAPE HAS 3 SIDE'S , ONE SIDE IS 184 FT. , THE SECOND SIDE IS 200 FT. , AND THE THIRD SIDE IS 247 FT. HOW CAN I FIND THE AMOUNT OF SQ.FT. THAT I WOULD NEED TO FILL IN THAT ARE ? THANK YOU , RUDY

Answer
Hi Rudy,

There is a formula called the Heron Formula that gives you the area of a triangle based on the three sides.

Check this page out, it contains that formula, as well as a generalization that can be used for any arbitrary quadrilateral (it's near the end of the page):

http://www.mathpages.com/home/kmath196.htm

I hope this helps. If you need more explanation on the formulas on that page, feel free to ask again.

~ Jack

Advanced Math

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jack Cheng

Expertise

I can answer most questions in Math up to single-variable Calculus, including infinite series. I like to think very much, so questions with a lot of twists and turns are highly welcomed! Mathematical questions related to computer science are also highly welcomed! I can also answer some basic questions in discrete mathematics (logics, sets, some algorithms, basic number theory). I am also studying physics (mechanics in particluar), so I am willing to answer some questions relating to it.

Experience

Majoring in Mathematics.

Education/Credentials
I am sophomore/junior status in college working towards bachelor's degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.