If the height of a triangle is reduced by 40% while its base is increased by 40%, how will the area of the triangle be affected?

Explanation

Let the original height be h and the base be b. The area of the triangle is (1/2) × b × h. After changes, the new height is 60% of h, which is (3/5)h, and the new base is 140% of b, which is (7/5)b. The new area becomes (1/2) × (7/5)b × (3/5)h = (21/50)bh. Comparing this with the original area (1/2)bh = (25/50)bh, the area has decreased by (25/50 - 21/50)bh = (4/50)bh, which is a 16% reduction in area.