In the coordinate plane, a triangle has vertices at (a,0), (b,0), and (x,y). If a>x>b>0>y, which of the following represents the area of that triangle? Choices
A) (ay−by)/2  B) (ab−ay)/2  C) (by−ay)/2  D) (ay+by)/x  E) (a−b)/2y
We must plug in the three points that satisfy y&lt;0&lt;b&lt;x&lt;a.   Only C satisfies the area of a triangle.   Answer:   C. (by−ay)/2
<result>C</result>
In the coordinate plane, a triangle has vertices at (a,0), (b,0), and (x,y). If a>x>b>0>y, which of the following represents the area of that triangle?