The formula A = [((s - a)(s - b)(s - c)]/2 gives the area of a triangle with sides of length a, b, and c, where s is one-half of the perimeter. Estimate the area of Virginia (to the nearest square mile) using the data given below. A = |mi2 370 mi 430 mi 220 mi

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### Estimating the Area of Virginia Using Heron's Formula

#### Heron's Formula
To find the area of a triangle when the lengths of all three sides are known, we can use Heron's formula:

\[ A = \sqrt{s(s - a)(s - b)(s - c)} \]

Here, \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are the lengths of the sides, and \( s \) is the semi-perimeter of the triangle, which is half of the perimeter:

\[ s = \frac{a + b + c}{2} \]

#### Example Calculation
To estimate the area of Virginia, assume it resembles a triangle with the following side lengths:

- Side \( a = 370 \, \text{mi} \)
- Side \( b = 220 \, \text{mi} \)
- Side \( c = 430 \, \text{mi} \)

##### Step-by-Step Solution
1. **Calculate the Semi-Perimeter**:
   \[
   s = \frac{a + b + c}{2} = \frac{370 + 220 + 430}{2} = 510 \, \text{mi}
   \]

2. **Apply Heron's Formula**:
   \[
   A = \sqrt{510(510 - 370)(510 - 220)(510 - 430)}
   \]

3. **Simplify the Expression**:
   \[
   A = \sqrt{510 \cdot 140 \cdot 290 \cdot 80}
   \]

4. **Calculate the Final Area** (skipping intermediate calculations for brevity):
   \[
   A \approx 43,011 \, \text{mi}^2
   \]

So, the area of Virginia (to the nearest square mile) is approximately **43,011 square miles**.

#### Diagram Explanation
The diagram provided illustrates a triangle with sides labeled as follows:

- The base \( a \) is 430 miles.
- One side \( b \) is 370 miles.
- The other side \( c \) is 220 miles.

This visual aids in understanding how the dimensions of the state approximate those of a triangle for the area calculation.
Transcribed Image Text:### Estimating the Area of Virginia Using Heron's Formula #### Heron's Formula To find the area of a triangle when the lengths of all three sides are known, we can use Heron's formula: \[ A = \sqrt{s(s - a)(s - b)(s - c)} \] Here, \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are the lengths of the sides, and \( s \) is the semi-perimeter of the triangle, which is half of the perimeter: \[ s = \frac{a + b + c}{2} \] #### Example Calculation To estimate the area of Virginia, assume it resembles a triangle with the following side lengths: - Side \( a = 370 \, \text{mi} \) - Side \( b = 220 \, \text{mi} \) - Side \( c = 430 \, \text{mi} \) ##### Step-by-Step Solution 1. **Calculate the Semi-Perimeter**: \[ s = \frac{a + b + c}{2} = \frac{370 + 220 + 430}{2} = 510 \, \text{mi} \] 2. **Apply Heron's Formula**: \[ A = \sqrt{510(510 - 370)(510 - 220)(510 - 430)} \] 3. **Simplify the Expression**: \[ A = \sqrt{510 \cdot 140 \cdot 290 \cdot 80} \] 4. **Calculate the Final Area** (skipping intermediate calculations for brevity): \[ A \approx 43,011 \, \text{mi}^2 \] So, the area of Virginia (to the nearest square mile) is approximately **43,011 square miles**. #### Diagram Explanation The diagram provided illustrates a triangle with sides labeled as follows: - The base \( a \) is 430 miles. - One side \( b \) is 370 miles. - The other side \( c \) is 220 miles. This visual aids in understanding how the dimensions of the state approximate those of a triangle for the area calculation.
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