If the area of a triangle with vertices (-3, 0), (3, 0) and (0, k) is 9 square units, then what is the value of k?

Concept:

Area of a triangle with vertices (x1, y1) , (x2, y2), (x3, y3) is given by

​Area = \(\rm \dfrac 12 \rm \begin{vmatrix} \rm x_1&\rm y_1 &1 \\ x_2& \rm y_2&1 \\ \rm\rm x_3 &\rm y_3&1 \end{vmatrix}\)

Calculations:

Given that, vertices of triangle are (-3, 0), (3, 0) and (0, k)

By using the above formula,

​⇒ Area = \(\rm \dfrac 12 \rm \begin{vmatrix} \rm -3&\rm 0 &1 \\ 3& 0&1 \\ 0 &k&1 \end{vmatrix}\)

⇒ Area = \(\dfrac 12\)[-3(0 - k) - 0 + 1(3k)]

⇒ Area = 3k

According to the question, area of triangle is 9 square unit,

⇒ 3k = 9

⇒ k = 3

∴ Required value of k is 3 unit.