The base of a triangle exceeds the height by 9 inches. If the area is 180 square inches, find the length of the base and the height of the triangle.

A=1/2bh

180=1/2 (h+9) (h) Multiply through by 2 to get rid of fraction. Also distribute right side.

360=h^2+9h.

h^2+9h-360=0. Factor.

(h+24) (h-15) = 0

So h=15 (can't be a negative so not - 24)

Since base is 9 more than height, b=24

So ... h=15 inches and b=24 inches

Check: 1/2 (15) (24) = 15 (12) = 180