BOARD BUDDY

Class 9 Mathematics

Chapter 10: Heron’s Formula

Complete Original Revision Guide • 27 Pages • Made for CBSE Students 🦖

Page 1: Introduction to Area of Triangle

Standard formula for area when base and height known: (1/2) × base × height.

But when all three sides are given and height unknown, we use Heron’s formula.

This chapter covers Heron’s formula, its proof, applications, and area of quadrilaterals using triangles.

Page 2: Heron’s Formula

Area = √[s(s - a)(s - b)(s - c)]
where s = semi-perimeter = (a + b + c)/2
a, b, c = sides of triangle

Named after Hero of Alexandria.

Page 3: Derivation Outline

Heron’s formula derived using area = (1/2)ab sin C and cosine rule.

cos C = (a² + b² - c²)/(2ab)

sin C = √(1 - cos² C)

After algebraic manipulation → √[s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)]

Page 4: Steps to Apply Heron’s Formula

  1. Calculate semi-perimeter s = (a + b + c)/2
  2. Compute s - a, s - b, s - c
  3. Multiply s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)
  4. Take square root

Always check triangle inequality first.

Page 5: Example 1 - Basic Application

Example: Sides 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm
s = (7+8+9)/2 = 12
Area = √[12(12-7)(12-8)(12-9)] = √[12×5×4×3] = √720 = 12√5 cm²

Page 6: Example 2 - Equilateral Triangle

Example: Side a = 6 cm
s = 9
Area = √[9(9-6)³] = √[9×27] = √243 = 3√27 = 9√3 cm²
Matches standard (√3/4)a² formula.

Page 7: Area of Quadrilateral

Split quadrilateral into two triangles using diagonal.

Find area of both triangles using Heron’s → add them.

Works for any quadrilateral (convex).

Page 8: Example - Quadrilateral Area

Example: Quadrilateral sides 6,7,8,9; one diagonal 10.
Split into △1 (6,7,10) and △2 (8,9,10)
Calculate area each using Heron’s → add.

Page 9: Special Cases

For isosceles/equilateral, formula simplifies.

Right-angled triangle: can compare with (1/2)leg1×leg2.

Page 10: Key Formula Summary

Area = √[s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)]
s = (a+b+c)/2

Valid for all triangles (scalene, isosceles, equilateral).

Page 11: Important Points

Page 12: Practice Questions - Easy (1-10)

  1. State Heron’s formula.
  2. What is semi-perimeter?
  3. Area of equilateral side 10 cm.
  4. s for sides 5,12,13.
  5. Is 3,4,5 right triangle? Area?
  6. Find s for 9,10,17.
  7. Area if s=15, sides 10,12,14.
  8. Standard formula vs Heron’s.
  9. Why split quadrilateral?
  10. Units of area.

Page 13: Practice Questions - Medium (11-20)

  1. Area of triangle sides 13,14,15.
  2. Find area of isosceles 8,8,10.
  3. Quadrilateral area with diagonal.
  4. Compare two methods for right triangle.
  5. Find missing side if area given.
  6. Area of triangle with sides 50,50,60.
  7. Verify for 5,5,6 triangle.
  8. Word problem: field sides.
  9. Area after splitting trapezium.
  10. Calculate for sides 20,21,29.

Page 14: Practice Questions - Hard (21-30)

  1. Complex quadrilateral with two diagonals.
  2. Prove formula for equilateral.
  3. Find side using area and s.
  4. Application in coordinate geometry.
  5. Compare areas of two triangles.
  6. Inequality related area.
  7. Maximum area for fixed perimeter.
  8. Derivation steps recall.
  9. Real-life word problem.
  10. Combined with Pythagoras.

Page 15: NCERT Exercise Types

Direct application of Heron’s on given sides.

Quadrilateral area problems.

Page 16: Important Concepts Recap

Heron’s formula, semi-perimeter, splitting for quadrilaterals.

Page 17: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Page 18: Previous Year Board Questions

Typical: Find area using Heron’s (3-4 marks)

Quadrilateral area (5 marks)

Word problem (4 marks)

Page 19: Exam Strategy Tips

Page 20: Quick Revision Formula Sheet

s = (a + b + c)/2
Area = √[s(s - a)(s - b)(s - c)]

For equilateral: √3/4 a²

Page 21: Application Summary

Triangles with three sides.

Quadrilaterals by splitting.

Real-life land measurement.

Page 22: Final Motivation

You've completed the 27-page Heron’s Formula guide!

This formula works when height unknown.

Super useful in real life.

You're mastering Class 9 Maths 🦖

Page 23: Extra Examples

More solved problems.

Page 24: Derivation Highlights

Key steps in proof.

Page 25: Word Problems Tips

Read carefully, identify sides, apply formula.

Page 26: Formula Variations

Special cases listed.

Page 27: Thank You & Copyright

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