Question:
The points A(−4, 0), B(4, 0) and C(0, 3) are the vertices of a triangle, which is
(a) isosceles
(b) equilateral
(c) scalene
(d) right-angled
Solution:
(a) isosceles
Let A(−4, 0), B(4, 0) and C(0, 3) be the given points. Then,
$A B=\sqrt{(4+4)^{2}+(0-0)^{2}}$
$=\sqrt{(8)^{2}+(0)^{2}}$
$=\sqrt{64+0}$
$=\sqrt{64}$
$=8$ units
$B C=\sqrt{(0-4)^{2}+(3-0)^{2}}$
$=\sqrt{(-4)^{2}+(3)^{2}}$
$=\sqrt{16+9}$
$=\sqrt{25}$
$=5$ units
$A C=\sqrt{(0+4)^{2}+(3-0)^{2}}$
$=\sqrt{(4)^{2}+(3)^{2}}$
$=\sqrt{16+9}$
$=\sqrt{25}$
$=5$ units
BC = AC = 5 units
Therefore, $\Delta A B C$ is isosceles.