CPM Homework Help : CCA2 Problem 12-125

The area of $∆ABC$ is $24$ square inches. If $\overline{AB}⊥\overline{BC}$ and $BC = 8$ inches, find $AC$ .

Step 1:

Begin by drawing and labeling a diagram.

Right triangle: horizontal leg, B, c, labeled 8, vertical leg, a, b, labeled, x, Interior labeled 24.

Step 2:

Use an area equation.

$\frac{8\textit{x}}{2}=\ 24$

Hint:

$x = 6$ inches, what is the length of $AC?$