What is the area of an equilateral triangle...

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What is the area of an equilateral triangle...

by AAPL » Thu Jan 18, 2018 10:46 am
What is the area of an equilateral triangle whose one side length is 60?

A. 300√3
B. 400√3
C. 450√3
D. 600√3
E. 900√3

The OA is E.

I know that I can get the height of the triangle using Pythagoras Theorem, then
$$h_{\triangle}=\sqrt{60^2-30^2}=30\sqrt{3}$$
Then, I can get the area of the triangle,
$$A_{\triangle}=\frac{1}{2}b\cdot h$$ $$A_{\triangle}=\frac{1}{2}b\cdot h=\frac{1}{2}\cdot60\cdot30\sqrt{3}=900\sqrt{3}$$
But, is there another strategic approach to this question? Can any experts help please? Thank you!

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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Thu Jan 18, 2018 10:49 am
AAPL wrote:What is the area of an equilateral triangle whose one side length is 60?

A. 300√3
B. 400√3
C. 450√3
D. 600√3
E. 900√3
Area of an equilateral triangle = (s²/4)(√3) (where s = length of one side)
So...

Area = (60²/4)(√3)
= (3600/4)(√3)
= 900√3
= E

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Brent
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by EconomistGMATTutor » Thu Jan 18, 2018 11:47 am
What is the area of an equilateral triangle whose one side length is 60?

A. 300√3
B. 400√3
C. 450√3
D. 600√3
E. 900√3

The OA is E.
Hi AAPL,
Let's take a look at your question.

Area of equilateral triangle can be calculated as:
$$Area=\frac{s^2\sqrt{3}}{4}$$,
where s is the side length of the equilateral triangle.
$$Area=\frac{\left(60\right)^2\sqrt{3}}{4}$$
$$Area=\frac{3600\sqrt{3}}{4}$$
$$Area=900\sqrt{3}$$

Therefore, Option E is correct.

Hope it helps.
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