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Base (Triangle)
See It in Action
Two examples of the idea done right—and one common look-alike that is not right.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
NON-EXAMPLE
Definition
The base of a triangle is the side of the triangle that is chosen to be the “bottom” for measurement or discussion purposes.
Key points:
Any side of a triangle can be called the base, depending on context.
Often, the base is chosen as the side on which the triangle visually “sits.”
In special triangles (like isosceles triangles), the base is usually the side that is not congruent to the other two sides.
When calculating the area of a triangle, the base is the side used together with the corresponding height (altitude).
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