Explain the term "altitude" in a triangle.

In geometry, the term "altitude" refers to a specific segment that is drawn from one vertex of a triangle perpendicular to the line that contains the opposite side, known as the base. This perpendicularity is crucial because it ensures that the altitude measures the shortest distance from the vertex to the base, effectively creating a right angle with the base.

The altitude is important in various geometric calculations, particularly in determining the area of a triangle. The area can be calculated using the formula: Area = (1/2) × base × height, where the height is represented by the altitude.

The other definitions presented do not accurately describe an altitude. A segment that bisects an angle pertains to an angle bisector, while a segment connecting two vertices describes the sides of the triangle rather than its altitude. The longest side of the triangle is referred to as the hypotenuse in a right triangle or simply the longest side in any triangle, which does not relate to the concept of altitude.