Heron’s Formula is used to find the area of a triangle when the lengths of all three sides are known. Unlike conventional formulas requiring height, Heron’s Formula uses semi-perimeter and side lengths, making it especially useful in geometry problems where height is not directly available. The chapter also extends to finding areas of quadrilaterals by splitting them into triangles.
II. Key Concepts Covered:
Concept
Description
Heron’s Formula
Area = √(s(s−a)(s−b)(s−c)), where a, b, c are side lengths and s is semi-perimeter.
Semi-Perimeter (s)
Half the perimeter of the triangle: s = (a + b + c)/2
Application to Quadrilaterals
Quadrilaterals can be divided into two triangles, and Heron’s Formula applied to each for total area.
Units of Area
Area is expressed in square units (cm², m², etc.).
Steps for Calculation
1) Find semi-perimeter, 2) Apply Heron’s formula, 3) Use square root value accurately.
III. Important Questions:
(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark):
If the sides of a triangle are 7 cm, 24 cm, and 25 cm, what is its area using Heron’s formula? a) 84 cm² b) 60 cm² ✅ c) 36 cm² d) 100 cm²
If the area of a triangle is 84 cm² and its semi-perimeter is 14 cm, which of the following could be the sides? a) 7 cm, 7 cm, 7 cm b) 14 cm, 14 cm, 14 cm c) 13 cm, 14 cm, 15 cm ✅ d) 10 cm, 10 cm, 10 cm
What is the unit of the result of Heron’s formula if sides are in meters? a) meters ✅ b) square meters ✅ c) cubic meters d) no unit
Heron’s formula can be applied to: a) Right-angled triangles only b) Equilateral triangles only c) Any triangle ✅ d) Triangles with a known height only
(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks):
Find the area of a triangle whose sides are 7 cm, 24 cm, and 25 cm. (PYQ 2019)
The sides of a triangle are 13 cm, 14 cm, and 15 cm. Find the semi-perimeter and hence the area of the triangle.
A triangular plot has sides 50 m, 78 m, and 112 m. Find its area using Heron’s Formula.
The perimeter of a triangle is 36 cm, and its sides are in the ratio 3:4:5. Find the area of the triangle.
(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks):
A triangular park has sides 120 m, 80 m, and 50 m. A gardener has to put a fence around it and also plant grass inside. Calculate the cost of fencing at ₹5 per meter and planting grass at ₹2 per square meter. (PYQ 2018)
A field in the form of a quadrilateral has sides 36 m, 45 m, 63 m, and 72 m. A diagonal of 75 m divides it into two triangles. Find the total area of the field.
Two sides of a triangle are 10 cm and 15 cm, and the perimeter is 40 cm. Find the third side and the area of the triangle.
A triangle has sides measuring 30 m, 40 m, and 50 m. Find the area and the height corresponding to the base 50 m.
(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills):
A triangular garden with sides 30 m, 40 m, and 50 m is to be divided equally into two triangular parts of equal area. How will you place a line to achieve that?
A farmer has a triangular field with side lengths 25 m, 29 m, and 36 m. He wants to know whether he can divide it into two right-angled triangles of equal area. Justify using Heron’s Formula and other concepts.
IV. Key Formulas/Concepts:
Formula
Use
s = (a + b + c)/2
To find semi-perimeter
Area = √(s(s−a)(s−b)(s−c))
Heron’s Formula
Convert units
Ensure sides are in same units
Area of quadrilateral
Area = Area of triangle 1 + Area of triangle 2
V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–26):
No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.
VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–26):
Unit/Chapter
Estimated Marks
Type of Questions Typically Asked
Heron’s Formula
3–5 Marks
1 Short Answer (3M) + 1 Long Application-Based (5M)
VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs):
Year
Marks
Question
2018
5M
Area of triangular park + cost of fencing and grass
2019
3M
Triangle with sides 7 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm
2020
5M
Application-based cost calculation using Heron’s Formula
2022
3M
Triangle area using side lengths given, including semi-perimeter
VIII. Real-World Application Examples:
Scenario
Concept Applied
Fencing a triangular garden
Use perimeter and area calculations
Land surveying
Calculating area without measuring height
Architecture
Estimating irregular-shaped spaces
Sports
Designing triangular tracks, fields, or tents
IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success:
Time Management:
Spend 15–20 minutes daily on geometry and area problems.
Practice 2 problems of Heron’s Formula weekly.
Exam Preparation:
Always calculate semi-perimeter carefully before applying Heron’s formula.