Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 84
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:For a triangle given by three sides, use Heron’s formula: Area = √(s(s − a)(s − b)(s − c)), where s is the semiperimeter.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:Compute s, then apply Heron’s formula carefully without rounding until the end to keep it exact.
Step-by-Step Solution:
s = (13 + 14 + 15) / 2 = 42 / 2 = 21.Area = √(21 * (21 − 13) * (21 − 14) * (21 − 15))= √(21 * 8 * 7 * 6) = √(21 * 336) = √(7056) = 84 sq cm.Verification / Alternative check:13-14-15 is a classic Heron triple yielding area 84; many exam keys list this as a standard exact value.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:64, 44, 22 are not consistent with Heron’s calculation for these sides.
Common Pitfalls:Arithmetic slips in semiperimeter or inside the square root; premature rounding.
Final Answer:84
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