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Geometry/Triangular Prism

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Expert: Azeem Hussain - 9/17/2009


Question

^^
how to find the surface area, volume and lateral area of the triangular prism if the height of the triangle is unknown

Answer
Hi Fatima!

Assuming you have the three sides of the triangle and the prisms height...
[a=side 1 of triangle
b=side 2 of triangle
c=side 3 of triangle
h=height of prism
s=(a+b+c)/2 (semi-perimeter of triangle)
z=area of triangle]

The triangle's area can be found by Hero's formula, which is:
z=(s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c))^(1/2)

At this point, you can find the volume as you would for any prism: base area times height.
V=hz

Lateral area is base perimeter times height.
LA=(a+b+c)h

Surface area is lateral area plus twice the base area.
SA=(a+b+c)h+2z

Thanks for asking,
Azeem
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    Commentoh!tnx for the answer..i'm really appreciate ur answer..hope dat you help a lot of people through this way...^^


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Azeem Hussain

Expertise

I can answer mostly any kind of question dealing with of Math 536 and below, my forte being in parabolic functions and analytical geometry.

Experience

Drop-in tutor at Champlain College since 2010. I am neither a professor nor a teacher of this subject. I am merely a student who is good at mathematics and enjoys being of service to his community. I frequently tutor people in math and the results are usually great.

Education/Credentials
Presently enrolled in Materials Engineering at McGill University. Diploma of Collegiate Studies; Pure and Applied Science, Champlain College Saint-Lambert. Diploma of Secondary Studies from Chambly Academy High School. Being a Quebecer, I am fluent in English and French and can respond to questions easily in both languages.

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