There are different types of triangles, while in relation to the length of their sides we find the equilateral triangle, which is the one that will occupy us next and which is characterized by having three sides of the same size, a problem for which they also turn out to be equiangular, that is, its three internal angles will have the same measure, which in this case is 60 °.
It is essential that we know the etymological origin of the term equilateral triangle. In this case we can say that the two words that do it come from Latin:
- Triangle is the result of the sum of two components: the prefix "tri-", which means "three", and the noun "angulus", which is equivalent to "corner".
Equilateral is derived from what is "aequilaterus". This word is formed from two words: “aequus”, which is synonymous with “equal”, and “laterus”, which means “side”.
The construction of this type of triangle is plausible to do it from the use of a ruler and a compass, basic instruments and widely used in this matter to draw lines, angles, among others.
In the case of the equilateral triangle, the drawing process is quite simple; first, a circle must be drawn, then the compass must be opened to an average of 120 °, then three points will be marked, each respecting the same distance and finally joining the plotted points.
Since all three sides of the equilateral triangle are equal, the perimeter of these types of triangles can be calculated by multiplying the length of each side by three. If one side of an equilateral triangle is 24 centimeters, we know that the other two will also measure the same. To calculate the perimeter, you can multiply one side by three: 24 centimeters x 3 = 72 centimeters. This result, on the other hand, can be reached simply by adding the length of the three sides: 24 centimeters + 24 centimeters + 24 centimeters = 72 centimeters.
There are other formulas that facilitate the calculation of the characteristics of the equilateral triangle and they are the following:
- To find the value of its height, one must proceed to make use of the famous Pythagorean Theorem. Specifically, this will involve taking the square root of 3a (a is the hypotenuse) and dividing it by two.
- In case you want to find out the value of your area, what you have to do is calculate the average of the base times the height.
