The altitude of a triangle, also known as the height, is the distance from any of the three vertices to the opposite side. Depending on the measurements of the three angles, the altitude can sit inside or outside the triangle itself --- the opposite side can be extended to find the shortest distance. The only kind of triangle for which you can use the altitude to find the length of a side is an equilateral triangle, one where all three sides and angles are congruent, using a specific formula.
Instructions
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1
Multiply the length of the altitude by 2.
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2
Divide the answer from Step 1 by the square root of 3 (approximately 1.73).
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3
Label any of the three sides with the answer to Step 2. That is the length of one side.