Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Coordinate Geometry
Coordinate geometry involves the study of geometric figures using a coordinate system. In this context, the vertices of the triangle are given as points in a two-dimensional plane, represented by their (x, y) coordinates. Understanding how to plot these points and visualize the triangle they form is essential for calculating its area.
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Area of a Triangle
The area of a triangle can be calculated using various methods, one of which is the formula A = 1/2 * base * height. However, when given vertices in coordinate form, the area can also be determined using the determinant method, which involves the coordinates of the vertices. This method provides a straightforward way to compute the area without needing to find the base and height explicitly.
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Determinant Method for Area
The determinant method for finding the area of a triangle formed by three points (x1, y1), (x2, y2), and (x3, y3) is given by the formula A = 1/2 | x1(y2 - y3) + x2(y3 - y1) + x3(y1 - y2) |. This formula leverages the coordinates directly to compute the area, making it particularly useful in coordinate geometry problems where vertices are provided.
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