Consider the isosceles triangle ABC shown in the figure below, where AB = BC. Let D be a point on the extension of AC, with distances of 8 and 5 from D to AB and BC, respectively. Find the length of the altitude AH.
In an isosceles triangle with legs of equal length,
We seek the altitude with mathematical strength,
Using distances from a point on base extension's trail,
To find the height that will never fail.
With precision, we measure the lengths we need,
And draw perpendicular lines with great speed,
From the point to the legs, we calculate true,
The altitude that will come into view.
The line that we draw to the leg in question,
Marks the height with great precision,
And we marvel at the symmetry so clear,
Of the isosceles triangle that we revere.
Oh, how geometry can guide us so well,
To find the height that we need to tell,
In the isosceles triangle, with beauty so rare,
The altitude we find, we'll always have there.
If you're interested in finding more poems with a focus on geometry, you may enjoy this collection: More geometry thematic poems.
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